FYLDE folk are in for a massive health boost after a £5.4 million cash injection into the region from the Government.

The windfall was £2.2 million more than expected by the North West Lancashire Health Authority and will now be used to improve health services as well as implement a number of strategies which were highlighted during a public consultation.

Among the areas which will get extra investment are a multi-million pound development at Blackpool Victoria Hospital for which the authority has to find £2.5 million for running costs before the turn of the century.

A little more than £1 million has been collected so far and now £400,000 will be added to the pot.

Local cancer services will receive £200,000, as will a drugs and alcohol misuse strategy.

Outdated facilities will be replaced at Rossall, Sharoe Green and Wesham Park Hospitals to the tune of £300,000 while £400,000 will boost adult mental health services.

David Edmundson, chief executive of the NWLHA, said: "This is very good news for the people of North West Lancashire.

"It will mean the authority can continue with improvements in a number of areas identified during the course of public consultation."

Previous news story

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.