Blackpool hospital site earmarked for expansion

A former Blackpool hospital could be extended in order to meet increased demand for care for the elderly.
An artists impression of the proposed extension at Bispham HospitalAn artists impression of the proposed extension at Bispham Hospital
An artists impression of the proposed extension at Bispham Hospital

A former Blackpool hospital could be extended in order to meet increased demand for care for the elderly.

A planning application has been submitted to Blackpool Council seeking permission to build a two-storey extension at Bispham Hospital on Ryscar Way.

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If the scheme gets the go ahead, it would see 24 new units built, to add onto the existing 28 one-bedroom residences for elderly people with additional care needs.

Now called Bispham Gardens and operated by community interest company Spiral Health, the extension would be built around a courtyard.

Disturbance to current residents would be minimised during construction by ensuring only communal areas were affected by the work.

A design and access statement accompanying the application says the facility is needed because "as the population continues to age, demand for care will increase and the types of care required will change".

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Recent data for Blackpool, published by the NHS, showed in May this year, there were 195 people waiting in hospital for residential and nursing care placements.

Bispham Hospital, which provided rehabilitation services, was sold by the NHS in 2016 for around £1.5m and converted by Spiral Health from a multi-ward facility into its current use offering nursing, palliative and dementia care.

The application will go before town hall planners at a future date for consideration.