Fleetwood Hospital celebrates the big 125

Originally opened on May 11 1895, the building is now owned by The Fleetwood Trust which has begun a programme of refurbishment to create a community hub alongside maintaining healthcare services.

Accepting a hamper of treats from the Trust for her colleagues Sister Sheila Blade said: “It was lovely to be included in marking the anniversary and to celebrate something positive at this time.”

On behalf of the Fleetwood Trust, Kelly Garrick added, “In other circumstances we would have held a larger event for the occasion but we are pleased we could take the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the NHS staff now and during the last 125 years.”

The milestone comes as residents and community leaders are being invited to help shape the facilities and services within the new community hub at the hospital building.

The Trust bought the building for £575,000 in late 2018 and the owners have begun a programme of consultation, fund-raising and redevelopment to create a collection of vibrant and sustainable meeting spaces for community use.

Work on The Pantry, a new base for Fleetwood Foodbank and the Mustard Seed, is already underway ahead of opening on a date later this year.

Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Dr Mark Spencer said, “We want to hear from anyone with ideas for using the hub to support residents’ health & wellbeing, share life-skills and training, or to deliver valuable services.

“It’s important we identify what the community really wants and needs, and we don’t duplicate what’s already in place.

“We’ll be holding our first meeting later this month to continue the conversations.

“This is a real opportunity for people in Fleetwood to have an chance of a facility they really want and need.”

Theose who want to get involved can email [email protected], telephone (01253) 376200, message the Trust through their Facebook and Twitter pages or write to The Fleetwood Trust, Fleetwood Hospital, North Albert St, Fleetwood, FY7 6AR.