HOSPITAL staff in East Lancashire must learn to face difficult and uncomfortable facts if patients are to get better services, the area's health boss has warned.
Jo Cubbon, chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, said there had to be a "climate where truth is heard."
She spoke as the trust announced it is to bid to be given prestigious foundation trust status by 2008.
Foundations trusts have greater independence from the Government but the status is only awarded to top-performing authorities.
In crucial yearly Healthcare Commission ratings, the trust was termed weak', the worst score, for financial management but rated good' for quality of service at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Queen's Park Hospital, and Burnley General Hospital, in the 12 months to April.
It is currently facing its biggest financial challenge, to save £14m by April.
Improvements must be made if the authority is to become a foundation trust, she said.
In a report to managers, Mrs Cubbon said: "We must create a climate where truth is heard and difficult and uncomfortable facts are confronted."
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