HOSPITAL chiefs have unveiled the plans for the transfer of health services from Sharoe Green Hospital when it closes next year.

The multi-million pound relocation package includes a new maternity and gynaecology unit at the Royal Preston Hospital due to open in March next year.

Medical students, based at Sharoe Green, will be taught in a new education and training unit at the Royal Preston, in line with the Trust's teaching hospital status, acquired last year.

Under the £40million plan, patients receiving treatment for back problems at Sharoe Green will be dealt with at both the Royal Preston and Chorley Hospital sites.

Design teams have drawn up blueprints for new orthapedic recovery facilities at the Royal Preston with the service expected to be in operation by the end of this year.

Chorley District Hospital will provide an additional operating theatre and clinic for orthapedic patients. These three key patient areas, along with elderly rehabilitation, will be the last to be moved from Sharoe Green.

Director of facilities and services at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Ian Cox, said: "Some of the services have to move together, like obstetrics and gynaecology. We cannot say exactly when the last patient will leave as it depends on demand."

While some disruption is expected until the move of is completed, hospital chiefs have pledged that patients will not be needlessly affected.

Mr Cox said: "It's just a matter of extra noise and changing things around. The services will continue as normal."

Since the closure decision last year, health services at the site have gradually been moved to the Trust's two remaining hospitals in Preston and Chorley.

A new pharmacy has already been built at the Royal Preston and a speech and language therapy unit is scheduled to open next month. The mortuary is also being expanded.

The future of Sharoe Green is undecided but it may be demolished.