HOSPITAL bosses have admitted they do not know when a ward which has been closed for two months will re-open.

Admissions to Ward 2 at Accrington Victoria Hospital were suspended in November after maintenance workers found asbestos in the basement plant room following a heating failure.

The trust said the asbestos was safely contained and posed no risk.

But East Lancashire Hospitals Trust chiefs have confirmed they do not know when the ward will re-open until a more in-depth investigation is completed but say it will at some point.

John Bannister, director of operation for the trust, said: “Following on from the initial site assessment, a more in-depth investigation is currently in progress.

“On completion we will be in a better position to fully understand the extent of the work required, costs entailed and the time needed to carry out the essential repair work.

“All other services such as the Minor Injury Unit and the GP practice remain unaffected.”