EAST Lancashire's hospitals have slipped in the latest performance ratings released today.

Burnley's Trust, which also covers Rossendale and Pendle, fell from the maximum three-star rating to one; Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley trust dropped from three stars to two.

Burnley missed two of the nine key targets -- on accident and emergency waiting time and financial management - and finished the year £650,000 over budget.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley (BHRV), which achieved all key targets, scored badly with high numbers of patients needing emergency readmission after discharge.

Independent watchdog Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) rated each Trust based on performance in 2002/3.

Since then Burnley and Blackburn Hospital Trusts have merged to form East Lancashire Hospitals Trust.

Nationally, 53 out of 156 were rated three star, 59 two star, 30 one star and 14 were given no stars.

Trust chief John Thomas said problems with waiting times at Burnley General's accident and emergency were being addressed and in the first two weeks in July the 90 per cent target had been exceeded.

CHI looked at factors such as waiting lists, casualty waiting times, cleanliness and cancelled operations for hospital trusts and access to GPs.

Primary Care Trusts, which commission hospital services and oversee GPs, pharmacies, health centres and health improvement schemes, were also rated for the first time. Hyndburn and Ribble Valley PCT led the way with two stars, while Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale both got one.

Of the 304 PCTs, 45 received the highest rating, 139 two stars, 98 one star and 22 no stars.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Community Health Council chief Nigel Robinson said: "I'm not surprised Blackburn has slipped - pressure on beds has been phenomenal over the past year."

Lancashire Ambulance Service, was again given the maximum three star rating for its performance during 2002/3 when it was one of only three to exceed all government targets.