THE campaign to bring a new diagnostic and treatment centre to "under-used" Leigh Infirmary received a boost this week.

A powerful committee of MPs, which includes Leigh's Andy Burnham, has urged the government to prioritise areas with least private health care for the development of new NHS facilities.

The Health Select Committee recommendation will be considered by the government.

Mr Burnham and colleague Worsley constituency colleague Terry Lewis are now seeking a meeting with the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority to discuss the idea.

Diagnostic and treatment centres are being developed across the country and specialise in elective operations and day case procedures.

Mr Burnham said: "The committee's report backs up the argument for a new centre in places like Leigh.

"We concluded that the NHS needs more capacity of its own to drive down waiting lists and that areas like ours, where there is little private sector capacity, should be put at the head of the queue."

"Leigh Infirmary is an excellent site and well-located to serve a wide area. But it is being underused at the moment. At a time when the NHS is looking to expand its capacity it would make great sense to make more use of Leigh."