THE NHS in East Lancashire is moving in the right direction, according to the latest union staff survey.

The Lancashire Association of Trade Union Councils' annual snapshot shows that staff welcome increased investment in the NHS, especially in training and extra pay.

Respondents said things such as Agenda for Change, which offers many nurses and other workers a 12.5 per cent average pay increase over three years, would improve patient care through improved staff morale.

But they also said staff shortages in many departments were still a worry.

Lancashire TUC Secretary Peter Billington said: "By comparison to the dark days of the mid-1990s, the survey responses have shifted dramatically. The anger so evident then has been replaced by frustration, concern, enthusiasm and commitment in equal measure."

The report was compiled from questionnaires completed by trade union officials, who represent around 10,000 staff working in hospitals, clinics and health centres in East Lancashire.