A PIONEERING new scheme aimed at attracting health professionals to East Lancashire is to be launched.

Blackburn with Darwen NHS Primary Care Trust aims to set up one of the first teaching Primary Care Trusts in the country.

The scheme, which will work in co-operation with universities across the North West, involves recruiting health care professionals such as GPs to work part-time in a clinical role and part-time in a teaching or research role.

The initiative has been made possible by a Government allocation of £25 million for Primary Care Trusts across the country, aimed at boosting health care provision in areas of high deprivation.

Blackburn with Darwen already suffers from poor GP facilities, above average patient lists at each GP surgery and a large number of GPs coming up to retirement age. The trust is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain staff.

Initial discussions about the Teaching Primary Care Trust plan has already resulted in the creation of three posts, with a possible 10 in the future.

Universities involved in the scheme include the University of Central Lancashire, Salford and St Martin's in Lancaster.

Primary care trusts in Hyndburn and Pendle and Rossendale have also expressed an interest in taking part.

Dr Alastair Murdoch, chairman of the executive committee of Blackburn with Darwen NHS Primary Care Trust and the man behind the scheme, said: "It is early days at the moment, but the scheme is certainly a very exciting one. It will attract more quality staff to the area and increase the level of care for the community."

Ms Vivien Aspey, the trust's chief executive, added: "Sometimes East Lancashire suffers because it doesn't have its own university, but on this occasion we are using this to our advantage and taking available talent from all over the surrounding area."

The trust's application for money for the scheme will be submitted in October and it could be up and running in April next year.