NINE out of ten homes in East Lancashire will this week receive a document outlining the future of the area's hospital services.

A health chief today urged people to respond to the proposals, which she said will shape healthcare for the next 10 to 20 years.

The 16-page document is a summary of proposed changes to where key services are provided, at Blackburn Queen's Park Hospital or Burnley General Hospital.

It includes a response form to the proposals, which have generated massive controversy during the last six months.

About 220,000 copies will be delivered to homes.

People are given two options to support but major changes will happen under both.

Both options will see Blackburn take on all of East Lancashire's major, life-threatening emergencies and all children's overnight beds while Burnley will take on a higher number of pre-planned operations.

The consultation closes on July 10 and project leader Val Bertenshaw said: "It is very important that people fill out the form as these are what the decision will be based on.

"The outcome of this consultation will determine what the health service in East Lancashire will be for the next 10 to 20 years. It is an important opportunity and people need to have their say."

A detailed consultation document will be published online at www.eastlancs.nhs.uk tomorrow.