PEOPLE have nothing to fear about health cover during the Millennium, so say local health chiefs.

But things will only run smoothly if people don't besiege the NHS with minor problems, according to bosses at North West Lancashire Health Authority, who are determined to make sure the new year passes off without a hitch.

The authority has been working with hospitals, the ambulance service, GPs, dentists, pharmacists and other agencies to ensure all regular services will be available during the holiday period at the end of the year.

A plan has now been drafted which should allay all fears that the extended holiday could cause chaos in local hospitals.

Sue Pay, health development manager for the authority, said: "We have been working closely with all the relevant organisations to ensure there is full cooperation and coordination.

"We are compiling a list of major Millennium events that are taking place which will have an impact on us, such as the big celebration planned for the Preston Marina."

Local hospitals are expected to announce their staffing rotas soon, providing rates of pay are agreed.

Sue says several new projects will be introduced in an attempt to make things run even more smoothly than usual. She added: "An emergency out-patient clinic will be available every weekday while a social worker will be available in accident and emergency."

But people must be prepared to help themselves, and a publicity campaign is being planned to encourage folk to treat minor ailments and injuries themselves, while pre-arranged appointments, such as flu jabs for the elderly, will be completed earlier than usual.

Sue said: "We want people to stock up their medicine chests with basic items such as cold remedies. People should also get repeat prescriptions filled out before the extended holiday period.

"We now believe that every eventuality has been covered."

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