HEALTH watchdogs will make more unannounced visits to hospital wards and other NHS premises in the coming year, a health watchdog chief has vowed.

Burnley community health council chairman Frank Clifford made the promise after settlement of the dispute between the council and Burnley Health Care Trust over visiting rights of its members to trust premises.

In his annual review, Coun Clifford, says the visits aim to support both the trust and East Lancashire Health Authority ensure that the best quality care is given at all times to patients in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

The past year had seen a change in government and a new administration with its own clear agenda for the NHS, with a greater emphasis on community services.

Coun Clifford added: "Many changes in the health service will take place which will present our council with a challenge.

"We shall seek to ensure that these developments bring about improved access and quality of service."

Mr Clifford said the council was delighted to have played its part in encouraging the local trust to provide much improved breast cancer facilities, including the recent opening of the Primrose Suite at Burnley General.

Looking forward to the year ahead, Mr Clifford says the CHC would seek to help develop effective local mental health services, with particular emphasis on child and adolescent psychiatry.

Coun Clifford paid tribute to the work of his members and gave a special thank-you to Burnley Trust staff, particularly nurses and doctors for their co-operation.

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