A MULTI-million pound scheme to replace a community hospital with a purpose-built facility has been unveiled by health chiefs.

East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has announced its wants to replace Clitheroe Community Hospital, Chatburn Road, Clitheroe, with a new unit within the next two to three years.

The new building would be built adjacent to the hospital, which was originally the 19th Century workshouse. At this stage no decision has been made regarding the future of the existing building.

Plans will now be drawn up for Ribble Valley Council to decide whether to give planning permission.

The new site would be able to accommodate mobile health units which would bring enhanced surgical and diagnostic services to the town.

A new hospital in Clitheroe would mean local residents will no longer have to travel to sites in Blackburn, Burnley and Accrington for some routine treatments and services.

The hospital currently provides nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and x-ray facilities. It also houses visiting specialists and is home to the GP out of hours service.

East Lancashire PCT chief executive David Peat said: "This is an exciting project that aims to bring Ribble Valley residents locally-based health facilities that they deserve in facilities that are fit for the 21st Century.

"We want to bring more services into a community setting and replace our old facilities with modern provision. We all have great affection for the old community hospital building but we have to remember it was designed as a workhouse two centuries ago."

David Morris, chief executive at Ribble Valley Council, said: "This is a shot in the arm for rural healthcare, particularly at a time when other rural services, such as post offices, are under threat.

"This redevelopment of Clitheroe Hospital heralds the extension and modernisation of health services in Ribble Valley and I am absolutely delighted for local residents."

Existing services that are provided in the present Clitheroe Community Hospital would continue and then be transferred into the new facility .