CONCERNS have been raised about missed vaccination and screening targets by GP surgeries across East Lancashire.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones has written to NHS East Lancashire expressing his concerns, and Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said “more work needs to be done”, based on results of the GP scorecard scheme.

The scheme helps PCTs monitor factors such as opening hours, availability of appointments within 48 hours and infection control.

Although the latest figures for 2010/11 show an overall improvement compared to 2009/10, there are still concerns in all boroughs.

In Hyndburn, only four of 19 surgeries hit the 80 per cent target for cervical screening, only two made the 75 per cent target for over 65 flu vaccinations, 16 missed the 90 per cent target for pre-school boosters, and were open for the guideline 52.5 hours per week.

Hyndburn is also home to three of the six surgeries in the area which failed to meet the 50 out of 100 overall development score.

The lowest scoring surgery area was Drs Valluri based in Great Harwood Health Centre, which scored 41.

Others were Dr Motupalli’s surgery and Accrington Victoria HAC in Hyndburn, Richmond Court Group Practice and The Hill Top Surgery in Pendle, and Daneshouse Medical Centre in Burnley.

All will now be subject to monitoring.

In Pendle, 11 of 17 missed the target for over 65 flu jabs, and 13 missed the cervical screening target.

Mr Stephenson said: “An overwhelming number of GPs I see are doing a fantastic job, but it’s clear from this data there are areas of concern.”

Surgeries in Ribble Valley faired best, with Sabden and Whalley Medical Centre ranked top of the borough with an overall development score of 95.

Lisa Cunliffe of NHS East Lancashire said: “It is not about identifying ‘failing’ practices, as all practices have areas where they achieve well and areas where development is required.

"This process helps practices to identify development areas.”

She added that childhood and pre-school boosters has increased significantly during 2011/12, and are now exceeding 94 per cent.

GP Scorecards are not published for the Blackburn with Darwen area.