RAMSBOTTOM Cottage Hospital will continue to provide health and social care in the town. But it is unlikely that it will continue providing in-patient care for the elderly, health bosses have announced.

The future of the hospital, which provides care for older people with mental health problems, is under review.

A spokeswoman for The Pennine Care NHS Trust, which overlooks mental health services in Bury, said: "Until the consultation process has been concluded, there are no final plans for Ramsbottom Cottage Hospital."

She said it was considered unsuitable by various agencies for the provision of acute in-patient care for older people and that the trust is considering alternative provision.

She added: "All local partners have a commitment to ensuring that Ramsbottom Cottage Hospital continues to provide a focus for the provision of health and social care in Ramsbottom."