MEDICAL services provided in the Preston and South Ribble area are set to receive a check-up.

The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) have earmarked Chorley and South Ribble and Preston Acute Hospitals as two of the first NHS trusts to be inspected by the independent body.

It was launched in April this year to help the NHS monitor and improve health care and hospitals, health authorities and primary care groups in England and Wales can all expect a visit during the next four years.

Dame Deidre Hine CHI chairman said: "Standards of care within the NHS vary enormously across England and Wales.

"What we plan to do is to give the health service a health check -- the first time such a thorough review has ever been undertaken within the NHS."

Chief Executive of both NHS trusts Jeff Moore said: "We're delighted to be among the first trusts to take part in this new scheme. We welcome any initiative which aims to improve services to patients in the NHS."