NHS chief Dr Chris Clayton said additonal funding to improve accident and emergency care should also be used to ensure patients are treated in the right place.
The government recently announced that East Lancashire would get £1.4 million to bolster emergency care this winter.
Dr Clayton, clinical chief officer of Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group, said a number of initiatives have been suggested to help ease pressure on the A&E ward at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.
He added: “While we welcome this additional funding, we are very clear that there are a range of things which need to be done for the benefit of patients, particularly as we approach winter, traditionally one of the most challenging parts of the year for urgent care.
“The projects put forward are part of a wider programme of work which will assist in directing patients to the right services for their needs, many of which do not involve A&E, and ensuring that all services provide the highest quality care.”
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