HEALTH workers fear for patients' comfort at Darwen's new state-of-the-art health centre after learning it may not have air-conditioning.

Two workers at the present health centre in Union Street feel the new £11 million centre to be built behind Darwen Leisure Centre must have what they deem an integral part of the complex.

An architect working for the site developers said no decision had been made on the centre's ventilation system - but stressed that patient comfort would be a priority.

A nurse, who did not wish to be named, said: "It will be a real disaster if we keep having summers like this one. Where you have sick patients together in a waiting room, it's common sense to keep them cool because some will be sick and have temperatures."

A centre receptionist said: "We will have three storeys, a wide range of facilities and services but it's a shame that such an integral part could let it all down. The current health centre is packed and gets really stuffy and uncomfortable when the weather's good."

The NHS centre, to be built with private partners Eric Wright Group Ltd, of Bamber Bridge, will feature a range of services from a dental suite to social services and complementary medicine areas.

Adrian Swain, architect working alongside the company, said: "We can't say if it will have air conditioning at this stage but will be looking into implementing some form of mechanical ventilation so that air will circulate through the building.

"The comfort of patients and staff at the centre will be crucial and it will be an environmentally designed building once it's finished so there's no need for staff or patients to be worried."

Dorothy Walsh, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen health scrutiny committee, said: "I can't believe that such a development wouldn't have air conditioning but I'm sure they will have it all figured out with regards to the comfort and safety of staff and patients.

"I will look into the issue because the new health centre has been one of the committee's main issues."

Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust was unavailable for comment.