Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and partners from Eric Wright Partnerships (EWP) East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (EHLT), Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and One Partnership have been shortlisted for the Public/Private Sector Collaboration Award at this year’s Operational Public Private Partnership (OPPP) awards for their work in relocating services at pace from Accrington Victoria Hospital to CHP’s Accrington Acorn Primary Health Care Centre (PCC).
Accrington Victoria Hospital in East Lancashire has long played a vital role in delivering acute-based services within Blackburn and its surrounding communities. In late 2024, a strategic decision was made to transition a number of services to nearby healthcare facilities, to ensure the continued provision of safe, high-quality care across the region.
This decision prompted for urgent and coordinated action to identify suitable alternative accommodation for the services impacted by the move.
In mid-October, a space planning meeting was convened bringing together key stakeholders from ELHT, Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, and EWP.
After careful assessment, Accrington Acorn Primary Care Centre was identified as the most suitable site for relocation given its proximity to the hospital and ensuring that key services would remain in the heart of the neighbourhood. The services identified for relocation included the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), diagnostic imaging, and a General Practice.
The relocation of services was required to be completed by 20 December, allowing just 14 days for completion, including weekends. In addition to the short turnaround, another key challenge the project faced was the designated areas for the new services were still occupied, with existing tenants not being able to vacate until 13 December.
Despite the short timescale, the facilities management and maintenance teams were mobilised, and a detailed works programme was rapidly developed and implemented.
Clear governance and shared accountability enabled fast decision making and efficient execution. The success of this project was made possible by the strength of the partnership and collaborative working throughout the project. Each organisation brought its expertise to the table. ELHT ensured clinical continuity, EWP led on design and strategy, CHP provided oversight and approvals, and Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB facilitated public engagement and formal approvals.
The result was a seamless transition for patients and a demonstration of what can be achieved when public and private sectors unite around a shared goal of delivering fit-for-purpose, modern healthcare settings in neighbourhoods that need them most.
Looking ahead, the collaboration is laying the groundwork for a more ambitious transformation throughout East Lancashire. Plans are now in place to redevelop Accrington Acorn PCC into a Neighbourhood Health Centre, a modern, integrated facility designed to deliver community-based care under one roof in line with the Government’s aim to deliver more care out of hospital and into local communities.
This project is a standout example of how collaborative working across public and private sectors can deliver exceptional outcomes under tight timelines. Patient care, quality, cost-efficiency, and timeliness were central to every decision; with Eric Wright Group and Community Health Partnerships playing pivotal roles in driving the project forward. The joint ability to respond swiftly to a crisis and deliver a fully operational solution on time is a testament to the power of integrated working in health infrastructure.
The Awards ceremony will take place on the 2nd December in Newport, South Wales.
Get support from CHP
Get in touch with your CHP Regional Director and regional Property and Operations team to find out how they can support clinical services at CHP buildings providing high-quality, modern, core NHS facilities for patients in their local communities.
