The NHS has announced the proposed sites for two new hospitals in Lancashire.

These hospitals are set to replace Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

The new facilities will be part of the New Hospital Programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at providing 'state-of-the-art' healthcare facilities.

The proposed site for the new Royal Preston Hospital is a plot of land between Stanifield Lane and Wigan Road in Farington, near the M65.

(Image: Supplied)

The new Royal Lancaster Infirmary is proposed to be built at Bailrigg East, close to Lancaster University.

(Image: Supplied)

Professor Silas Nicholls, chief executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Securing our preferred site is a huge step forward in our bid to create a state-of-the-art new hospital to replace Royal Preston Hospital.

"This would provide major trauma and specialist services to the population of Lancashire and South Cumbria and acute hospital services to Central Lancashire."

Mr Nicholls also highlighted the 'transformative impact' the new hospital would have on services and the regional economy.

He said: "A new hospital will improve quality, safety, and patient experience and have a transformative impact on the services we will be able to provide on-site and in our wider communities, so we can meet the needs of our patients and future generations.

"In addition, it would drive much-needed investment to the region, acting as the catalyst for future jobs, skills, research and further economic development opportunities."

The local NHS is seeking feedback from patients, residents, colleagues, and stakeholders about what the new hospitals will mean for them and how the relocation might impact their lives.

A series of public events and a survey will be conducted in the new year to gather opinions.

The current sites of Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary will continue to function until the new hospitals are operational.

For more information, visit newhospitals.info.