THE CANON of a cathedral has defended radical new plans to boost health and care services in East Lancashire.

It comes after East Lancashire's patients' champion Russ McLean raised concerns the blueprint would lead to ‘privatisation through the back door'.

But Canon Michael Wedgeworth, of Blackburn Cathedral, said the plans are being devised by people in the NHS, local government and the voluntary sector, who 'believe in the principles of public service.'

Health bosses from Pennine Lancashire, who published the blueprint, said the proposals aim to improve residents wellbeing.

Among the key pledges in the blueprint called ‘Together a Healthier Future’ are plans to improve A&E performance against national targets and a promise to ‘strengthen free leisure opportunities’ and promote healthy food choices.

The plans would also see a shadow ‘Accountable Care Partnership’ created from April 1 next year, which would represent all health and care organisations, along with councils and voluntary, community and faith-sector services, have attracted criticism.

Mr Wedgeworth, who is also chairman of Healthwatch Lancashire said: "For me, Aneurin Bevan said it all: that the National Health Service 'is a piece of real Christianity' whose values are serving and caring without any kind of profit motive.

"I have heard no calls in East Lancashire for privatisation."