ACCRINGTON Victoria Hospital is set to get a major cash injection to develop services there.

The hospital, which was controversially downgraded into a community hospital over a decade ago, has been told the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is planning to increase investment in services over the coming months.

These include plans to upgrade the minor injuries unit into an urgent care centre.

Currently, Accrington Victoria houses the musculo-skeletal service but this will move to the new state-of-the-art Accrington Pals Primary Healthcare Centre in Paradise Street.

However, services including radiography, outpatients, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, in-patient beds, breast screening and renal dialysis will remain at Accrington Victoria.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said he was thrilled with the news of the investment.

He said: "I am delighted, because in the past all that seemed to be happening was that Accrington Victoria was closing down and services were being removed.

"Now we are seeing some investment and more services in Accrington.

"With a combination of new services at Accrington Victoria and two new health centres, Accrington is getting some world class health care."

The PCT is also planning to create new isolation facilities, building a small extension to the Renal Unit for treatment of kidney problems, and replacing the fire alarm and telephone system.

David Peers, associate director of estates for the PCT said: "In terms of investment in the community hospital we are continuing to invest in the infrastructure, with expenditure on general building repairs such as new windows, maintenance of brickwork and new roofing along with improvements to lighting flooring and heating systems."

In 1991 the orthopaedic ward was moved from Accrington Victoria to Blackburn Royal.

In 1994 the maternity ward at Accrington Victoria was controversially shut down despite a lengthy campaign by protesters.