HOSPITALS in East Lancashire have won Government grants of more than £500,000 to help towards two major improvement schemes.

A cash boost of £145,000 will help pay for a pioneering project using audio-visual equipment to link Blackburn Royal Infirmary with Burnley General, Bury and Bolton's accident and emergency wards. Burnley General has also been given £400,000 to help towards improvements in the accident and emergency ward.

The audio visual equipment will ensure departments will be in direct contact and experts based in Blackburn will be able to make decisions on the treatment of patients with facial and oral problems.

The project is expected to speed up waiting times and improve the service offered to up to 160 patients per week.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust chairman John Thomas said: "This represents a major step forward for us."

Burnley Health Trust will have to find an extra £130,000 towards the accident and emergency revamp.

The aim is to improve patient access, privacy and safety by refurbishing and altering the layout of the reception area.

There will also be a separate waiting area for children and a special suite of rooms which can be used for treating youngsters.

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