A WARD has been temporarily closed by NHS bosses at Accrington Victoria Hospital after the heating failed.

Ward 2 at the Heywood Street site, an 18-bed female rehab unit, is out of action after a boiler broke down.

An inspection of the premises has also uncovered absestos, which is not said to pose a risk to staff or patients.

Bosses at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) say they have been aware of problems with the heating system previously and had been winding down operations.

John Bannister, ELHT's operations director, said: "Following the failure of the heating on Ward 2 at Accrington Victoria Hospital an assessment of the system was carried out.

"The presence of asbestos was found in the plant room, located in the basement of the site. The asbestos is safely contained within the plant room area and poses no risk to staff or patients.

"However we have taken steps to temporarily suspend admissions to the ward in anticipation of the necessity to carry out essential repair work.

"All other services, such as the minor injury unit and the GP practice remain unaffected and continue to operate as normal."