A MAJOR blueprint for healthcare in East Lancashire has come under fire from a hospital chief.

East Lancashire Health Authority has published a draft document which will shape the future of health services until 1999.

But David Chew, chief executive of Burnley NHS Trust, has attacked the decision not to include any mention of learning disability services in the blueprint "Health and Health Care Services - Priorities in East Lancashire".

Mr Chew has written to the health authority expressing his concern over the omission and a series of other issues.

His letter says: "We are concerned that we cannot find a single reference to learning disability in the document.

"While this document emphasises the need for services to assist people there are many other health-related issues - challenging behaviour, multiple needs (physical, sensory and learning disabilities) that at least needs acknowledgement as part of a prioritisation plan and, at best, requires a commitment to identify the extent of the need and resources required to meet that need."

The trust has also suggested a number of initiatives in relation to speech and language therapy services.

The health authority, which has been conducting a public consultation exercise in relation to the document, has agreed to add a summary of Mr Chew's concerns to the document.

The final document will shortly be distributed for public use.

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