Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, is pressing East Lancashire NHS chiefs to ensure that the Burnley Urgent Care Centre Review will invite local and national politicians to make submissions, particularly those who have publicly expressed an opinion on the re-instatement of Burnley’s A&E service. The Review is being organised by the North West Strategic Health Authority and initial discussions have already taken place. The final report is scheduled for publication at the end of March.

The MP said, “I expect the Review Panel to invite the Conservative Health Spokesman, Andrew Lansley, as well as Burnley and Pendle Councils to give evidence.I also want to see Gordon Birtwistle lay down the candle he uses in his vigil and put his concerns to the Review Panel.”

“Local patient and public representatives should also take this opportunity to make their views known to the Review Panel.”

"I have made it clear all along that 'blue light' accident and emergency could return to Burnley if accompanied by a publicly available protocol stating which conditions could be treated there and which would have to go elsewhere. This is a straightforward and workable solution, which is crying out to be considered properly.”