HEALTH bosses in Burnley have been branded "under-achievers" in slashing out-patient waiting lists - and ordered to report to regional NHS chiefs on a monthly basis.

Under new guidelines issued this week, the Health Trust has been told to reduce the number of patients waiting more than 13 weeks for hospital appointments by nearly 2,000 - to just 1,300 by March.

A report to East Lancashire Health Authority shows the area is already falling behind target and has a mammoth task in the months ahead to reach the figures demanded by the Department of Health.

The report shows East Lancashire had 250 more patients on the out patient list in June than target - five per cent too many - and the problem was down to the Burnley health district.

It states: "The degree of underperformance of the Authority relates entirely to the level of underperformance at Burnley Health Care NHS Trust who have been asked to report direct to the Regional Office on a monthly basis."

It says the trust is expected to be back on target by September. Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Trust has also been told to slash out-patient lists by March from the April figure of 1,073 to just 66 patients.

The health authority report says the targets will be "particularly challenging" for both trusts.

Today Burnley Health Trust finance director David Meakin admitted problems were mounting and more money was needed to meet targets.

The trust had got off to a slow start this year because consultants who gave up their holidays last year to put in extra hours cutting waiting lists had taken their time this year.

In addition, said Mr Meakin, the trust was struggling to keep pace with a huge rise in patient referrals to the hospitals.

In one speciality alone, the trust had dealt with 12 per cent more patients, but received more than 20 per cent extra referrals.

"We are talking to the consultants to find ways of reducing the lists, but it is going to be extremely difficult to meet the targets," he added.

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