January 2026
28Jan
Launch of 24/7 thrombectomy service for Lancashire and South Cumbria
From Monday 2 February 2026, there will be a 24/7 thrombectomy service (including Bank Holidays) at Royal Preston Hospital, which is important for improving stroke outcomes for people in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Mechanical thrombectomy is a highly effective treatment for some acute ischemic strokes caused by blockage in...
26Jan
Dr Huw Twamley appointed as interim National Medical Examiner
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals’ Consultant in Critical Care Dr Huw Twamley has been appointed as the interim National Medical Examiner (NME) for England and Wales for a period of 12 months. One of the most senior and influential positions in patient safety and mortality review in the NHS, the role recognises his leadership, expertise and commitment to...
23Jan
Respiratory Ward update – Royal Preston Hospital
From Monday 26 January 2026, Ward 23’s Respiratory unit and Ward 20’s Respiratory Enhanced Care beds will be permanently relocated to Ward 19 at Royal Preston Hospital. Ward 19, located on floor 4 of the main ward block, has been closed for some time to allow for extensive refurbishment and improvement works. Going forward, Ward 19 will be known as the ‘...
21Jan
From China to Royal Preston Hospital - Dr Naveed Khan’s journey through neurology, family life and the NHS
When Dr Naveed Ullah Khan joined Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in October 2023 as a Senior Clinical Fellow in Neurology, it marked his first role in the NHS - the beginning of a remarkable period of professional and personal growth. His journey from China to Preston took in exams, visa delays, research, teaching, and the daily realities...
08Jan
‘OPEL 4’ declared due to increasing pressures
Due to increased pressures across our sites (Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital), Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has taken the decision to escalate to OPEL 4 – the highest level of internal escalation. This allows us to be able to take additional steps to maintain safe services for our patients and help...
07Jan
Trust have 15 finalists at LSC NHS Apprenticeship Awards
A grand total of 15 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals employees and students were finalists in the 2025 Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Apprenticeship Awards, with Lewis Doherty a finalist in three categories! The Trust had two winners - Ava Bolton and Lucy Wilson - and two entrants were also highly commended - Cameron West and Lewis Doherty -...
06Jan
Angela bows out after half a century of care
After half a century of caring for patients across Lancashire and beyond, Angela Wilson, a Staff Nurse in Outpatients at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, has hung up her uniform - bringing an incredible 50-year nursing career to a close. Born in Preston, Angela started her training in general nursing on 5 November 1975 at Preston and...
06Jan
Cold Weather Alert for the North West
An amber cold health alert is in effect from until 12pm on Sunday 11 January 2026 across the North West. The amber alert has a matrix score of 13. This means that the forecasted cold weather is expected to have a significant impact on health and social care services. Cold weather can affect anyone, but some people are...
