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.

"We would also like to see cardiology services develop and an early resolution to the shortage of consultants in palliative medicine," he added.

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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