HOSPITAL bosses have been accused of behaving like an ‘out-of-control juggernaut’ by pressing ahead with plans to close Burnley’s children’s ward.

Coun Darren Reynolds claims the move goes against new guidelines from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley that hospital trusts must have the support of the local council and local GPs to make major changes.

Coun Reynolds, the borough’s representative on the health scrutiny committee, said plans to move the 15-bed Deerplay children’s ward to a new 51-bed unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital should be stopped.

He said: “Burnley Council has passed a motion rejecting the closure ... GPs have expressed their unan-imous rejection of the plans as well.

“For NHS East Lancs to allow the hospitals trust to carry on as if nothing has changed seems to me to be a dereliction of duty. They’re like an out-of-control juggernaut and they have to be stopped.”

A PCT spokesman said the decision was made by the meeting patients needs board, made up of the hospitals trust, two PCTs and both borough councils, after public consultation.

A statement from the NHS East Lancashire said: “The PCT continues to regularly update the overview and scrutiny steering group and there is a further update scheduled later in the year, prior to the completion of the meeting patients needs programme.  “The SHA has stated that it does not expect to seek further information from NHS East Lancashire and has authorised us to continue with the planned services changes.”