The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has stated its preference for new hospitals on new sites for both Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary as part of the New Hospitals Programme, which plans to develop cutting-edge facilities, offering the absolute best in modern healthcare and addressing significant problems with the current ageing hospital buildings.

Following on from the announcement of the shortlist of proposals for new hospital facilities in March 2022, the Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme team has carried out a detailed assessment of the shortlisted options. Each shortlisted proposal has been comprehensively assessed for deliverability, affordability, value for money, and viability, considering feedback from patients, local people and staff:

• A new Royal Lancaster Infirmary on a new site, with partial rebuild / refurbishment of Royal Preston Hospital
• A new Royal Preston Hospital on a new site, with partial rebuild / refurbishment of Royal Lancaster Infirmary
• Investment at both Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Royal Preston Hospital, allowing partial rebuilding work on both existing sites
• Two new hospitals to replace Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Royal Preston Hospital (new sites). 

This work has resulted in recommendations for preferred options and alternative options for both Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary, subject to endorsement from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust Boards and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.

Read the full New Hospitals Programme announcement, which explains what this could mean for Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary, and the next steps for the New Hospitals Programme.