HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt has promised to listen to local opposition to plans to move critical hospital services from east Lancashire.

In response to the Lancashire Telegraph’s Save Our Services campaign, he promised a review of the scheme if the Conservatives win May’s UK general election.

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Last week we revealed that seven specialist services at the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General hospitals — including the flagship neonatal intensive-care unit — could be moved to Preston, Manchester or Blackpool in a regional NHS review.

The Telegraph’s call to retain the services run by the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has already been backed by MPs of all parties.

Now Conservative Mr Hunt and his Labour and Liberal Democrat counterparts Andy Burnham and Norman Lamb have responded to our campaign with a pledge to listen.

 

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Rossendale & Darwen Labour candidate Will Straw and opposition leader Ed Miliband have also weighed into the growing row over the North West Regional NHS review proposals, saying local health services for local people would be a key election issue.

Mr Hunt said: “Any changes to services need to be clinically driven and deliver better services for patients. Before final decisions are made, we expect NHS England to consult with local people affected by any potential changes.”

Liberal Democrat spokesman and junior health minister Mr Lamb said: “It is absolutely vital that local people’s views are considered when important decisions are taken in their NHS. I know that Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle will be making sure the voices of his constituents are heard. It is also right that expert clinicians make these decisions, in consultation with local people.”

Mr Burnham, Shadow Health Secretary, said: “Labour is committed to giving people across east Lancashire the best health services. We will look closely at any proposals and make sure that local voices are heard within any consultations.”

Mr Straw said: “The Lancashire Telegraph is right to highlight this important issue. People are increasingly concerned about delays in waiting to see their GP, getting treatment or waiting for an ambulance. We must do everything we can to avoid losing any services.”