PRIVATE health centres will be taking on NHS treatments as part of a £500 million a year deal - but the nearest one for East Lancashire people could be up to 18 miles away.

Swedish healthcare group Capio is behind the network of independent sector treatment sectors for Lancashire and Cumbria, which will take on general surgery and orthopaedics work over the next five years.

But the only East Lancashire location identified for the Department of Health initiative so far is at Clitheroe.

This would mean a journey of at least 11 miles for most Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Burnley area patients.

People wanting treatment in Nelson and Colne face a 30 to 35 mile round trip and for those living in Rawtenstall and beyond it is nearer to 40 miles.

Seven locations in the county are expected to be used as treatment centres - Capio has hospitals at Fulwood, Preston, Euxton, near Chorley and at Ormskirk.

The identity of the Clitheroe site has not been finalised but there are a number of private hospitals and centres in the Ribble Valley area such as Abbey Gisburne Park.

Meanwhile Capio are advertising for new staff to help them implement the Lancashire and Cumbria contract - experts in general surgery, orthopaedic surgery and anaesthetics are wanted for full and part-time posts.

The Capio contract is expected to begin in September and the firm has promised a £7.7million investment in wards and equipment beforehand.