FIRE chiefs are inspecting all of Lancashire’s mental health facilities in the wake of a Christmas Day fire at a Blackburn unit which claimed the life of a patient.

Police and fire service investigations are said to be underway following the death of 36-year-old Christian Raeburn in the Pendleview unit, at the former Queen’s Park Hospital site.

He had been detained under the Mental Health Act and admitted to Pendleview on Christmas Day.

Later a fire developed in his room and on Boxing Day Mr Raeburn died from his injuries.

His distraught family has been demanding answers from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the unit.

Investigators from the fire service have removed a smoke detector from Ribble Ward for forensic analysis and requested various paperwork from the NHS trust.

In a joint report by Alison Kelly-Cummings, the trust’s assurance manager, and Carlton Brookes, their health and safety head, it has been confirmed the ward is being refurbished “which includes the recommissioning of the fire alarm system.”

The report adds: “This work will ensure that all detectors are addressed to the fire panel and fire doors connected to the system with a full written cause and effect. All feedback from Lancashire Fire and Rescue has been incorporated into the repair works.”

Fire safety inspections took place for Edisford, Hurstwood, Calder, Darwen and Ribble wards at the Blackburn site in February, board members were told.

The report says: “A number of issues were highlighted and for all but two we were able to demonstrate we were already aware of the issue and had plans in place. These related for example to fire doors where we have a programme of work underway and breaches in compartmentalisation which we had already identified through a survey in November 2023, again with a programme underway.”

Fire safety inspectors also asked for further work on doors and dampeners within the Pendleview and Hillview units, as an improvement plan is rolled out.

The report adds: “Lancashire Fire and Rescue have signalled that they intend to inspect all of our sites and will give the trust notice in advance of their visits.”

An internal investigation has also been commissioned by the trust from Henry Ticehurst from HM Ticehurst Ltd, to review clinical pathway of care, the availability of lighters and bedroom door anti-barricade systems.

But the report notes this inquiry “is likely to be delayed due to the ongoing police investigations.”

The trust has been overhauling its fire safety work plan and has recently appointed a new chief fire safety officer, who will be supported by two additional fire safety advisors.