HEALTH chiefs have announced two new dialysis units in Burnley and Chorley.

Health Minister David Lammy has written to Burnley's MP Peter Pike and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle with the good news.

He said there would be three new satellite dialysis units including Burnley, Chorley and Blackpool, providing an additional 33 stations.

The Preston centre, which is the main provision for kidney dialysis in Lancashire and South Cumbria, will be upgraded in addition to the three satellite units in Accrington, Blackpool and Westmorland.

Mr Lammy said: "The will enable existing patients to relocate to units closer to home, especially those travelling to Manchester.

"These units will also enable new patients to be accepted for treatment."

Mr Lammy said it would dramatically improve treatment for kidney patients in Lancashire.

Labour backbencher Mr Pike said: "I am an officer of the All-Party Parliamentary Kidney Group and have fought for several years now for an improvement in facilities and access to facilities for renal treatment in Lancashire.

"We have secured an improved hub at Preston and we are getting a new dialysis unit in Chorley.

"We will get one in Burnley too, which has now been incorporated into the work for Phase Five at Burnley General Hospital, which will commence later this year.

"I am delighted at this announcement which is good news for people in Burnley and the surrounding area who will be able to receive vital dialysis treatment closer to home."