A NEW health centre for Darwen is in the pipeline to dramatically improve health services in Darwen, it has been announced.

Chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust Vivien Aspey made the announcement while defending her trust's record on GP recruitment.

Last week Darwen doctor John Bidwell marked his retirement by taking a sideswipe at "overloaded" patient registers and GP working conditions.

But Ms Aspey said the health centre was the trust's top priority as soon as its private sector partnership scheme LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) began in around 12 months.

The trust is advertising for a private sector partner to provide capital to improve its buildings. In Darwen's case it will mean a brand new health centre.

Ms Aspey said: "The PCT agrees that for years staff in Darwen Health Centre have worked under conditions which do not allow them to deliver modern health care. That is why replacing Darwen Health Centre is the PCT's highest priority should our LIFT initiative succeed in attracting a private partner for whom we are presently advertising."

Dr Bidwell claimed the town was three doctors short of its full quota of 15. His 2,000 patients are being transferred to Dr Ibrahim Derar, who already has 1,500 on his books.

But Ms Aspey said Dr Derar had suggested the arrangement and the trust was happy to go along with it.

She said: "All Dr Bidwell's patients' care transferred to the practice of Dr Derar who proposes to invite another partner to join him when the Darwen Health Centre is replaced.

"This is far from being a 'second best' option -- on the contrary there were a number of applicants for the vacancy created by Dr Bidwell."

But Ms Aspey said a number of initiatives were under way in the area to help rectify the problem including:

The LIFT initiative

Granting of teaching trust status which would attract more staff

Development of Personal Medical Services where GPs can work with less red tape

Appointment by several practices of specialised nurses to take pressure off GPs.