HOSPITAL performance league tables show Burnley Health Care has improved in at least eight services.

There are shorter waiting times for patients referred by their GPs to see specialists in urology, general medicine and oral surgery; the number of cataract operations outshines the national standard and patients have less time to wait for beds in gynaecology and general and oral surgery, where 97 per cent of patients are seen within three months.

But the tables highlight levels of concern in mental health care, general medicine and ophthalmology and waiting times in accident and emergency and outpatient clinics.

Only 77 per cent of mental health patients needing specialist care see a consultant within 13 weeks. Nationally, 94 per cent of patients are seen.

In accident and emergency 85 per cent of people are assessed within five minutes of arrival; nationally it is 93 per cent.

Trust deputy chief executive David Meakin said: "Previous years' results have been exceptional and although this year has not been as good in some categories we can still derive some satisfaction that we are above the national average in most areas.

"We are already implementing plans to improve care in general medicine and care of the elderly and have acquired £65,000 for our Accident and Emergency department. A second consultant in A and E and a clinical nurse manager have been appointed."

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