PATIENTS needing rehabilitation care after hospital in Blackburn with Darwen can now be looked after in the borough.

Until now, anyone with sub-acute rehabilitation care needs – where they are not ill enough to be in hospital, but not well enough to go straight home – have been taken to Pendle Community Hospital in Nelson.

But after listening to patients’ views, NHS Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus has implemented a new service which includes 10 sub-acute beds at Springfield Care Home, Preston New Road, Blackburn.

There will also be a range of intensive support services laid on to help patients improve their condition, rebuild their confidence and help them live as independently as possible.

GP Dr Pervez Muzaffar said: “This is good news for patients. One of our patients’ biggest concerns is travelling to receive treatment or visit their relatives, so I am delighted that we can offer new beds in Blackburn with Darwen, closer to patients’ homes.

“As a doctor, I know how important it is for patients to get the right kind of rehabilitation as early as possible.

“Early identification of rehabilitation needs can reduce length of stay and help prevent further disability.

“This redesigned service has been shaped on the needs of patients and we have responded to our patients telling us that they want to receive care closer to their homes.

“It will offer personalised and co-ordinated care and will ensure patients get the right services in the right place delivered by the right professional and at the right time.”