HEALTH bosses say they are delighted to see the main ward at Accrington Victoria Hospital reopen after it was closed for six weeks.

The closure of Ward 2 in July, after problems with the floors were discovered by nurses, had prompted concerns from patients about the future of the facility.

But Pam Barton, cabinet member for health at Hyndburn Council, said she was always confident the female recovery ward would reopen this week, after receiving regular assurances from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT).

She said: “I’m delighted that Ward 2 has reopened this week and is fully operational again.

“It’s really good news because there are always rumours that Accrington Victoria is closing.

“If somebody sneezes up there I get a call.”

During the six-week closure, patients had to go to one of the community hospitals in Clitheroe or Pendle – or be treated at home.

The ward was closed after the floor was deemed to be a health and safety risk, but repairs have now been completed. Catriona Logan, divisional general manager at ELHT, said: “Ward 2 at Accrington Victoria Community Hos -pital reopened on Mon -day after urgent renov -ation work.

“Ward 2 was temporarily closed, initially to carry out flooring repairs.

“Whilst this work was being undertaken and the ward was empty, a prog -ramme of other nec -essary works was carried out to avoid further dis -ruption.”