THE number of people waiting for surgery in hospitals in East Lancashire rose overall during April, according to figures released by the NHS Executive North West.

The total number of patients on waiting lists with Burnley Healthcare NHS Trust rose by 2.2 per cent in April to 4,854 from 4,749.

The number of patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment with the Trust rose from 135 to 145, a rise of 7.4 per cent during the month, while the numbers waiting more than 12 months with the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust rose from none to four during the month.

The total number of patients on waiting lists with the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS trust, however, did drop during April from 4,883 the previous month to 4,739, a drop of 144.