NHS bosses have admitted that the accident and emergency department at Chorley Hospital will not reopen until at least next April.

Campaigners have reacted with disappointment after health commissioners confirmed that their efforts to recruit enough middle grade doctors to run the casualty ward had failed.

An announcement was made after a meeting of the System Resilience Group (SRG) at Leyland yesterday, with only two such doctors on the rota, and another seven required.

Bosses at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have vowed they will continue to recruit - but maintain the A&E unit will not return for patient safety reasons.

Jan Ledward, the SRG chairman, said: "Despite extensive and continuous efforts to recruit the additional staff required, there are still not enough doctors to reinstate a safe and sustainable Chorley A&E department."

The decision has been taken amid growing unease over the urgent care centre there being run in future by a private contractor. Questions have already been raised over the tendering process.

Mrs Ledward added: "A new integrated urgent care service, currently being commissioned by clinical commissioners, will provide a 24/7 urgent care service in the future on the Chorley and Royal Preston Hospital sites. Further announcements and information on this will be announced once the legal 'standstill' period for this procurement is complete.

"Members of the SRG understand the impact of this situation and the uncertainties it brings for staff and local communities, and thank them all for their continued understanding and patience. The efforts and commitment of all staff in maintaining a safe and effective service for patients under difficult circumstances is also recognised

Hospital campaigner Steve Turner said staff had only recently been informed that the urgent care centre was going to be 'privatised'.

He added: "The urgent care centre is to be operated by the private sector and generally staff throughout the institution feel intimidated."

Protesters have also voiced concerns about reception staff at Chorley being approached over a possible transfer to the Royal Preston site.The review group insists any permanent change would need to be the subject of a full public consultation exercise.