A HEALTH team dedicated to helping children with complex needs is to expand into East Lancashire.

The Children’s Complex Care Service, run by NHS East Lancashire, is to provide a comprehensive service to children and their families.

But the team needs more staff to create stronger links with the community and a series of open afternoon events are being held to attract new recruits.

Youngsters seen by the service range from babies to 19-year-olds in Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

The range of conditions can vary from a child who needs a ventilation mac-hine to those with a life-limiting condition.

These children require specialist nursing support in their home or school environment.

Sally Parker, from NHS East Lancashire, said: “We see health care support workers as vital.

“They provide the hands-on care for the child and support for the family. They can receive training from us, from the nurses and the family, who are experts on their child’s care and needs.

“It is a quite demanding and challenging work but is very rewarding for those who care.

“Our aim is to integrate the children into normal family and community life, enabling them to do more and live a more fulfilling life.

"Even if a child has a life-limiting condition, we want to improve their quality of life and experience.”

Sally added: “What we also aim to do is to pre-empt problems and offer support at the right time. We want to avoid families getting into a crisis situation.”

The open afternoons will be held at:

* St Peter’s Centre, Church St, Burnley tomorrow between 2 and 6pm.

* Colne Children’s Centre, Walton Street, Colne on Wednesday between 2 and 6pm.

* Acorn Health Centre, 421 Blackburn Rd, Accrington, on Friday between 2 and 6pm.