IT'S important that the public are able to make judgments about how East Lancashire's health services compare with those in other areas.

In the same way as league tables allow comparative assessments of the performance of individual schools - although they are admittedly not perfect indicators - the Healthcare Commission operates a star system to grade health trusts.

And the latest scorings revealed today do give some cause for concern amongst us, the customers.

The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, which oversees our hospitals, has been given two out of three stars but been criticised for having "significantly underachieved" in its financial management.

This is disturbing news for patients because it echoes recent worrying comments by former health chairman Ian Woolley about trust finances. Cash is vital to the performance of our hospital services.

Also of concern is the fact that Lancashire Care NHS Trust was placed among the worst in the country with only one star.

The trust runs mental health services, an area that may not be as sexy as front line Accident and Emergency Departments but is extremely important.

There can hardly be a family in the country which has not been touched by mental health problems and this sector must not be allowed to become a cinderella service.