On Thursday 11th June 2026, Healthwatch Lancashire attended an engagement event at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. Senior Engagement Officer Emmy spoke with patients about their healthcare experiences at the hospital, including concerns and areas of good practice around accessing services.
Overall, we found that most patients were happy with their experiences of care and support; they commented on how quickly they are in and out of their appointments.
There were also comments around dignity and respect. One recommendation was around car parking for residents undergoing cancer treatment and the process they need to go through.
During the visit, volunteers were observed to be supporting patients coming into the hospital and helping them find where their appointment was. One observation was a patient coming into the hospital who had only received a text saying the date and time, so the patient did not know what this appointment was for or where to go.
Feedback
The list below features some of the feedback Emmy received from patients during the visit. For the purpose of this report, only comments regarding the hospital are included:
• I have regular lung checks at Chorley Hospital, and they are so lovely with me; I always have a great experience when I come here.
• I have brought my wife for an appointment today; we are both disabled, but I can’t get parked. I’ve had to park in the drop-off spot, walk her to her appointment, and then get back in time for my car. I don’t think people realise how hard it is for patients and relatives at times.
• I have been to pre op today, and they have explained everything to me fully; they answered all my questions, and I felt really well supported.
• I had an ultrasound today on my kidney. The staff were lovely with me; I felt my dignity was respected at all times throughout the appointment. I also couldn’t believe how clean the hospital was. I’ve never been here before, but I was really impressed.
• I have been to X-ray today, and to be honest, I was in and out. The staff were lovely and explained everything to me; it wasn’t too hard to find either, which was a bonus.
• We have been to maternity today for a scan; the staff have always been lovely with us there. I didn’t feel rushed, and I felt I could ask any questions I had.
• I have been undergoing cancer treatment at Chorley Hospital, and we were recently told that the parking would be free as we are coming often for treatment. I’ve gone through the process to claim back the money, but I feel I am being passed around. I was eventually told it would take 6 weeks to sort, and it’s now been three months. I don’t feel we need this on top of everything else.
• This is the first time I’ve been to this hospital, and it’s so lovely; it's clean and very smart. The volunteers helped me find where I was going, and when I got there, I found the staff really friendly.
We would like to thank the staff and volunteers who helped us on the day of the visit and for their continued support in Healthwatch. We are keen to continue working together moving forward and look forward to establishing the views of the community.