TRADE union representatives have slammed NHS East Lancashire’s plans to ‘privatise’ its stop smoking and community dermatology skin-care services.

The Lancashire Association of Trade Union Councils (LATUC) has written to the primary care trust opposing the transfer of the services “out of direct NHS provision”.

The trust, which arranges health care and commisions services for the 382,000 people of Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale, has called for bids from organisations wishing to run these services, from April 2010 and September 2010 respectively.

LATUC, which has 30,000 affiliated union members, said it would publicly cam-paign against any such move.

Peter Billington, LATUC secretary, said: “Removing these services from direct NHS control undermines the role of the NHS as a provider of high-quality healthcare.

“We cannot see that there is any public demand for the creation of mini-businesses out of NHS services.

“We are aware that the PCT is under Government pressure to implement these privatisations and we recognise the valuable work carried out by the trust.

“We hope that the PCT will stand up to the Government and support the principle of direct NHS provision for all services.”

But UCLan’s Bernard Gibbon, head of school, nursing and caring sciences, said patients could reap the benefits.

He said: “In a knowledge economy, where developments in health care are fast and plentiful, there is much to be gained by developing services that are tailored to specific clinical needs. Where service specialisation occurs, advances in the quality of treatment and care can be made.

“These service developments are contracted through the NHS and provide patients with best-quality local service.”

An NHS East Lancashire spokesman said it would retain control of the services put out to tender in line with Department of Health guidelines.

He said: “Our aim is to provide a high-quality service.

“We will work closely with the successful bidder to ensure services are fully integrated across the area.

“We have met the unions and have listened to their views and explained the reasoning behind the tender process.”

“Regarding the dermatology service, our aim is to improve local access.

“We know that around 40 per cent of patients seen at hospital sites for routine skin conditions could safely be seen at a community health facility nearer to a patient’s home. We are currently asking the public for their views.

“Demand for this service is significantly in excess of current provision and we are therefore seeking to add to existing capacity to meet the needs of residents.”

It is not known what effect on jobs the move will have.