AN event was held to raise awareness of the NHS outside Colne Library.

Pendle Labour held the event for the National Campaign Day following Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary claiming the NHS was better prepared for winter than ever before.

Pendle Labour Chair, Russell Tennant said: “People in Pennine Lancashire are known to suffer more ill-health than those living elsewhere in the country.

“Due to the high levels of deprivation that many experience, a good number of our children aren’t getting an adequate start in life.

“There are many of us suffering from entirely preventable diseases.

“Mental illness is more common in Pendle than in other boroughs.

“And all this puts a strain on already underfunded local services before you factor in entirely predictable issues like an increasing need for social care for the elderly and outbreaks of Winter flu.”

Amy Barringer, the UNISON North West health spokeswoman said: “Inadequate social care provision means that it is difficult to discharge patients safely.”