AN East Lancashire hospital yesterday received final approval to become a specialist centre for tackling severe circulation problems.

Confirmation of the Royal Blackburn Hospital as a centre of excellence for vascular health, part of a £500,000 overhaul of North West services, has been hailed as a ‘vote of confidence’ by the town’s MP Jack Straw.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the news in a House of Commons statement.

He told MPs the specialist centres will be at the Royal Blackburn, Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, and the Royal Preston Hospital.

Mr Hunt’s announcement comes a week before he announces the results of an investigation into high death rates at 14 trusts, including East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT).

Vascular conditions to receive specialist treatment in Blackburn include neurysms, limb ischaemia, carotid artery disease, varicose veins, and diabetic foot problems. Routine and planned treatment will continue to be provided at ’ local hospitals, but all specialist inpatient care will take place at the new centres.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “This is very good news.”

EHLT medical director Rineke Schram added: “Becoming a specialist centre will ensure that the local population and beyond have access improved care and treatment and the safest and best clinical outcomes.”