A SCHEME devised by an East Lancashire nurse is to be implemented at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Lynn Hannon, of Stanhill Lane, Oswaldtwistle, refined her pre-admission assessment scheme for people with learning disabilities after researching methods used at other hospitals.

The 43-year-old has spent the last year travelling round hospitals in Edinburgh, Stoke-on-Trent and Toronto in Canada to research her project.

She was funded by a £3,000 travel scholarship awarded by London-based Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF).

The research is part of her final year study on an MSc in Professional Practices at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.

"It's about improving access to secondary health care services for people with learning disabilities," said Miss Hannon.

"Past research highlights lots of problem areas.

"It's been fantastic. It's been piloted at BRI and in a couple of other areas in the country as well, and one of the Surrey health trusts have already taken the assessment on.

"We are just getting funding together for a hospital liaison sister at BRI. It's excellent."

The FNF is so pleased with what she has achieved it has invited her to carry a symbolic lamp at an annual ceremony in Westminster Abbey to commemorate the legendary nurse's birthday on May 12.

The ceremony takes place on Wednesday, May 7, and will be attended by almost 2,000 guests including Britain's four chief medical officers.

"I'm bursting with how well it's gone. It's wonderful," said Miss Hannon.

"Then to get this invitation to go to London. It's a real grand ceremonial occasion. I'm so proud about it. It's an honour."

Mary Spinks, director of the FNF, said: "She's done very well. We were very impressed with her report and we asked her if she would like to carry the lamp."

The scheme involves appointing an officer to liaise with the patient and hospital before admission, so any special needs can be catered for.

Nobody from East Lancashire Hospitals Trust was available for comment.