A HOSPITAL trust has beaten a Government deadline for reducing the number of patients waiting for surgery.

The Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust reduced numbers by nearly 100 every month over the last year.

It follows an extra investment of £1.3million by the trust and East Lancashire Health Authority to reduce waiting times.

The trust's aim was to have no more than 5,402 patients waiting for surgery by March this year. In the event there were 5,367 - 1,197 fewer than in March 1998.

Trust chairman Ian Woolley said: "We totally support the Government's programme to reduce waiting lists and we hope to make further progress on this achievement."

The reduction in numbers of people waiting for surgery was made despite an increase in the demand for health services locally.

Outpatient referrals from GPs were 5.3 per cent higher than last year and emergency admissions 6.1 per cent up.

Planned admissions were 10.3 per cent higher than last year, representing an extra 2,845 operations.

Trust chief executive John Thomas said: "The reduction in the numbers of patients waiting for surgery is a major achievement and reflects the had work and dedication of all our staff."

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