THE number of people waiting more than 13 weeks for hospital outpatient treatment in Burnley rose by 250 last month -- to 3,443.

The Health Trust, which has been ordered to slash the list to just over 2,000 by the March 31 financial year, says that while good progress has been made in a number of specialities, particularly dermatology, there was an upward trend in orthopaedics and ophthalmology.

In a report to Tuesday's meeting of the trust board, finance director David Meakin says plans to reduce lists are primarily dependent on schemes starting later in the year.

"Whilst attention should be paid to this adverse movement, recognition must be given to the fact that plans are still in place to meet the required target."

The report for the month ending May 30th shows 50 fewer people on the inpatient list which now stands at 4,753.

The number waiting more than 12 months for treatment fell from 176 to 147 during the month, although Mr Meakin says the list must be totally wiped out by the financial year end.

He adds that the trust has a number of challenging targets to achieve and although there are good indications of progress, the difficulty in achieving the targets should not be underestimated.