STROKE sufferers will be among patients to benefit from a new multi-million pound rehabilitation unit opened this week at Royal Preston Hospital.

More than 150 doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists will be on hand at the unit to help patients suffering from strokes, Parkinson's disease, chronic chest conditions and fractures.

The £6m centre is the latest stage in the transfer of facilities from the Sharoe Green Hospital site.

The aim of the 62-bed unit, which will include a dedicated stroke ward to cater for 18 patients, is to help people who need rehabilitation from these conditions.

Ken Shaw, from Fulwood, who is in the latter stages of recovery after suffering a stroke in February, was due to be one of the first patients to move to the new unit.

The 69-year-old said: "I'm quite happy about it and I'm looking forward to new surroundings. It could be a bit of a wrench, though, for the patients and staff who have been at the old site for a long time."

A special day hospital will also be in the two-storey building to deal with more than 50 outpatients a day who need extra care.

But for some it will be a mixture of joy and sadness as the opening is the first step towards the end of the hospital, which is set to close later this year.

Matron Carole Lea, clinical manager for medicine, has worked at Sharoe Green for 22 years.

She said: "The new building is everything we'd hoped for but there are mixed emotions because we've been at Sharoe Green for a long time but I think once everyone settles in it will be great."

Tony Curtis, chief executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, is looking forward to the next generation of medical care in the city.

He said: "I'm delighted the first of the major new developments will open its doors to patients. This is a big investment in medical rehabilitation services and will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the care of patients.

"I would like to thank staff who will be helping to ensure the move is as smooth as possible for all those concerned so there is the minimum disruption to patients and their families."