Blackburn with Darwen NHS

02/02/2026

02/02/2026

From today, Monday 2 February 2026, patients attending the Minor Injuries Unit at Acorn Primary Healthcare Centre in Accrington will need to access the Unit via the building's main entrance , located directly within the main car park.

This is a temporary measure whilst essential redevelopment work takes place. The MIU reception desk will be based in the main atrium, and the check‑in and streaming process will stay exactly the same.

From today, Monday 2 February 2026, patients attending the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Acorn Primary Healthcare Centre in Accrington will need to access the Unit via the main entrance of Acorn, located directly within the main car park.
This is a temporary measure whilst essential redevelopment work takes place. The MIU reception desk will be based in the main atrium, and the check‑in and streaming process will stay exactly the same.
All services will continue as normal — only the entrance is changing.
Clear signage will be in place to help guide you to the right location but please share this update to help spread the word as widely as possible.

27/01/2026

Our A&E team are working tirelessly to provide care to everyone but we are currently seeing an increasing number of patients with very serious conditions. This means there are longer waits and crowded waiting rooms. We are sorry if you are impacted and appreciate your understanding and patience.

To help, please make sure we keep our emergency care for those who need it most. If your condition isn’t life or limb-threatening, there are other services that might be able to help you more quickly:
✅ Minor Injuries Unit - Acorn Centre, Accrington
✅ Urgent Treatment Centres - Burnley and Blackburn
✅ Local Pharmacies and GPs
✅ NHS 111 - Available 24/7 for advice and guidance

26/01/2026

If you’re in a mental health crisis, you can call NHS 111 and select option 2 to get 24/7 support from a mental health professional in your local area.

In a mental health crisis and need support from a mental health professional?

Call NHS 111, select option two.

22/01/2026

To avoid overcrowding in the hospital Emergency Department and enable colleagues to treat people as quickly as possible, we ask that only one person accompany a patient receiving treatment - this can be increased if the patient is in a critical condition.

Children - any child under the age of 18 is able to have two parents or carers accompany them to the Emergency Department.

Make sure you are using the most appropriate service for health needs, click the link to find out more: https://elht.nhs.uk/choose-well

14/01/2026

If you are vulnerable to, or worried about falling, please do hesitate to seek help and advice.

You can contact either the hospital team - details below 👇or contact the Council's Wellbeing Service on 01254 682027 or email wellbeing@blackburn.gov.uk

Lately, our Emergency Department has been caring for more people who have had a fall. While falls can happen to any of us at any age, the winter weather can make people more susceptible.

There are some simple, easy ways to reduce the risk:

- Wear well-fitting footwear indoors and outdoors
- Avoid going out in bad weather unless essential; use online shopping or pharmacy deliveries
- Remove rugs and uneven carpets and use non-slip mats in the bath or shower
- Ask family, friends or neighbours for help with tasks, especially in icy conditions
- Consider installing safety rails on steps or grab rails in the bathroom
- Ensure your eyesight is checked and your prescription is up to date
- Stay active to improve balance and strength
- Eat well and stay hydrated to avoid dizziness or faintness

Our STEADY On! Team is dedicated to helping you stay safe, confident, and independent in your own home. You don't have to figure it out alone.

To refer yourself or a family member on their behalf contact the Intermediate Care Allocation Team (ICAT) on 01282 805989 and ask for a STEADY On! referral💚.

13/01/2026

🚐 The cervical screening bus is in Blackburn tomorrow!

If you’re aged 25 to 64 and are overdue a screening, or have never been screened, you can get your cervical screening done today - no appointment needed.

📍Blackburn with Darwen: Women Zone, Unit 3 Duckworth Street, BB2 2JQ — 11:00-16:00

Cervical screening saves lives. It’s quick, simple, and could prevent cancer.

12/01/2026

Please consider which is the right health service for your current needs 🙏 Thankyou! 💙

Please help us keep emergency care for those who need it most. Our Emergency Department is currently seeing an increasing number of patients with very serious conditions.

The team is working tirelessly to provide care to everyone but right now, there are longer waits and crowded waiting rooms. We are sorry if you are impacted and appreciate your understanding.

If your condition isn’t life- or limb-threatening, there are other services that might be able to help you more quickly:
✅ Minor Injuries Unit – Acorn Centre, Accrington
✅ Urgent Treatment Centres – Burnley & Blackburn
✅ Local Pharmacies and GPs
✅ NHS 111 – Available 24/7 for advice and guidance

You can also make a big difference by helping someone who’s ready to leave hospital. If you know a friend or family member who is being discharged, could you help arrange transport? Every bed we free up helps another patient in need.

Visit our website for current waiting times and more information on finding the right please for your health needs: www.elht.nhs.uk/choose-well

Please help us by sharing this message.

12/01/2026

Check it, don’t chance it - act now on cancer.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Check it, don’t chance it — act now on cancer.

If a symptom sticks around, get it checked. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Look out for:

✔️ a new lump or bump
✔️ pain that won’t go
✔️ blood in your poo or wee
✔️ unexplained weight loss

Only 56% of cancers in Lancashire and South Cumbria are found at stages 1–2 (59% nationally). Our ambition is 78% by 2032. We’ll get there together if people seek help sooner.
You’re not wasting anyone’s time. Your GP will want to see you.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/VOY9v

08/01/2026

👇👇

There is currently a high number of really poorly patients in our Emergency Department. You could really help us by thinking about the right place for help with your medical needs. Our teams are here to welcome you at the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC)👋.
The MIU team are based at the Acorn Centre, 421 Blackburn Rd, Accrington BB5 1RT they can treat: sprains and strains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, insect and animal bites, minor eye injuries and injuries to the back, shoulder and chest. Their unit is open seven days a week from 8am until 8.30pm.
Our team at UTC are based at Burnley General Hospital, can treat suspected broken bones or breathing difficulties which need immediate care but are not life-threatening and are available 24 hours a day.
And our fabulous local pharmacies can also support with a range of conditions. If you are not sure where to go for your health needs, contact NHS 111 🏥🩵.

08/01/2026

🚐 The cervical screening bus is in Blackburn today!

If you’re aged 25 to 64 and are overdue a screening, or have never been screened, you can get your cervical screening done today - no appointment needed.

📍Blackburn with Darwen: Little Harwood Family Hub, Robinson Street, BB1 5PE - 11:00-16:00

Cervical screening saves lives. It’s quick, simple, and could prevent cancer.

06/01/2026

🚨 Exceptional demand seen across our local NHS services

Due to high levels of demand for NHS services, measures are being put in place to reduce pressures, and we are asking for the public’s support.

Alongside the current severe cold weather, we are seeing very high numbers of people with flu and winter illnesses.

The Met Office forecasts the cold spell to continue until Friday 9 January, so we expect these pressures to continue.

Please help us help you:

✅ Use A&E only for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
✅ If a loved one is ready to leave hospital, collect them as soon as possible and make sure they have what they need at home.
✅ If you do need A&E, you may experience a wait. Our teams will see the most seriously ill patients first—please treat staff with respect.

If you have to visit A&E, due to a serious accident or emergency that is life threatening, please make sure you are prepared for a potential wait by taking things you may need like a charged phone, a payment method and warm, comfortable clothing. We apologise if you experience a longer wait.

Please use health services wisely. Accessing the right service at the right time may mean you’re seen quicker and helps reduce pressure.

Please share this message.

Thank you to our incredible NHS teams and partners working tirelessly across hospitals, community services and the region.

Craig Harris
Chief Commissioning Officer
Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB