A press release, internal communications and stakeholder updates were issued on 26th September 2022, informing the public of the Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme’s recommendations for two new hospitals on new sites for Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary as the preferred option, and alternative partial rebuild options.
Research data was collected using an online, open-access survey, linked to from the Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme website.
604 surveys were conducted between 26th September and 31st October 2022.
54% of survey participants said that they are or have been a patient of Royal Preston Hospital, 33% a patient of Royal Lancaster Infirmary and 13% Furness General Hospital. NHS staff were also represented (20% clinicians and 20% wider staff) and 16% were carers.
Awareness of the Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme increased significantly since the shortlist survey to 83%, along with the proportion reporting that they participated in engagement activities (41% of the sample).
The recommended proposal for two new hospitals on new sites was clearly the most accepted proposal this wave (76% found it acceptable), in line with the previous surveys.
The alternative proposal for a partial rebuild on existing sites was found to be acceptable by 39%, a significant decrease since the shortlist survey (from 54%).
Unlike previous website surveys, the views of staff and the public were more closely aligned on the acceptability of the recommended proposals, however those with caring responsibility of another due to health / disability / age were significantly less likely to support two new hospital sites when compared to the average.
Acceptability of new hospital sites being within a 10-mile radius of the existing sites was broadly acceptable, but a minority were keen to note that the direction of the 10 miles was important.
64% of participants supported a new hospital to be built to replace Royal Lancaster Infirmary within around a 10-mile radius of the current site. 21% found the proposal unacceptable and 15% were neutral. Carers and non-heterosexual respondents expressed lower support than other groups.
65% of participants supported a new hospital to be built to replace Royal Preston Hospital within around a 10-mile radius of the current site. 19% found the proposal unacceptable and 15% were neutral. Those living without a disability or long-term illness gave more support than other groups.
Participants reported in even stronger proportions than at the shortlist survey that the key challenges they face in accessing existing hospital facilities revolve around the location of hospital sites, public transport links and provision of adequate parking, and these need to be addressed by any new provision.
As in the shortlist survey, respondents felt that the most important considerations for the New Hospitals Programme to ensure that future hospital facilities meet their needs were hospital sites being in accessible locations, futureproofing to meet future (not just current) healthcare needs and adequate car parking.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their views on proposals for new hospital facilities. Your feedback has helped inform the process so far and please continue to get involved and have your say. · For the latest news on the New Hospitals Programme, please visit the Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme website.
