THE future care of diabetics in Burnley was discussed at a meeting of Diabetes UK.

The charity, which provides care and support to diabetics and their families, has more than 30 members in Burnley and the meeting at the Keirby Hotel was haileds a success by organisers.

Present at the meeting were members of Diabetics UK Burnley Pendle and Rossendale, the Mayor and Mayoress of Brierfield, representatives of Burnley General Hospital and the East Lancashire Health Authority.

Background information on the provision of care services for diabetics in Burnley was given and members of the public attending were given the opportunity to submit questions on the current and future care of diabetics and general diabetes questions.

Among the topics discussed was the proposed amalgamation of local NHS Trusts, which would see Burnley Health care NHS Trust merge with others across Lancashire covering a wider area. Chris Rossan, commissioning manager for Burnley Health Care NHS Trust said at the meeting that he did not believe that diabetes services would be adversely affected by any proposed amalgamation.

Dr Littley, consultant physician at Burnley General Hospital and chair of local diabetes service advisory group, said that he thought it would provide "opportunities for cross cover and also opportunities to other services locally."

Mr Rossan also said at the meeting that there had been a large amount of ongoing work with the Coronary Disease National Service Framework which has links with Diabetes UK.

Diabetes UK Burnley Pendle and Rossendale meet on the third Thursday of every month at Pendleside Hospice in Colne Road, Reedley. The next meeting scheduled for December 20 will be the charity's Christmas Party. There will be ntertainment and a 'Jacobs Join'.