NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the organisation that organises local health and care services, oversees how money is spent and makes sure health services are working well and are of high quality.
In partnership with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), we are seeking the views of people who live in the north Lancashire, Westmorland and Furness areas in relation to hospital and community care.
The insights we receive from this questionnaire will help to inform the development of a business case regarding a proposal to reduce the number of inpatient beds at Royal Lancaster Infirmary based on the principle of people receiving the right care in the right place.
Currently, too many people remain in hospital beds even after they no longer need hospital‑level treatment. This isn’t anyone’s fault – it's how the system has evolved – but it isn’t what patients want, and it isn’t what’s best for their health.
Almost a third of patients at Royal Lancaster Infirmary stay in hospital even after they are medically ready to be discharged.
Healthcare professionals are clear: when people, especially older people, stay in hospital longer than they need to, their health can worsen. Longer stays can lead to:
- Loss of strength and mobility
- Reduced confidence
- Memory decline
- Loss of independence
This can make it harder for patients to return home and may mean they need more support in the future. People recover better and faster at home or in community settings, when it’s safe for them to do so.
At the same time, the NHS is under real financial pressure. Wards being used for patients who don’t need acute hospital care take money away from services like emergency care and planned treatment.
As such, UHMBT is proposing to close two wards in the Castle View Unit at Royal Lancaster Infirmary. If you wish to read more about the proposal, please visit https://lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/proposed-reduction-beds-royal-lancaster-infirmary
Thank you in advance for your time completing this questionnaire.
Data Protection Act 2018
The information you provide on this form will only be used by the ICB and its partners within the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Partnership, to inform commissioners of your experience of services. Any information you supply will be held securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.