Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the increased burdens on the accident and emergency (A&E) services at Royal Blackburn Hospital as a result of the decision not to reopen the A&E department at Chorley Hospital on a full-time basis in the foreseeable future.

No estimate has been made by this Department. It is the responsibility of the National Health Service to plan, develop and improve services locally so they meet the healthcare needs of their local populations.

NHS Improvement advises that the impact of the closure of Chorley’s accident and emergency (A&E) department on neighbouring trusts was examined as part of an independent review jointly commissioned by NHS Improvement and NHS England and found to be minimal. Reopening the A&E 12 hours a day is expected to reduce further that impact. NHS Improvement will continue to monitor the situation as part of its ongoing oversight of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other neighbouring trusts.