A HEALTH chief today pledged to keep spending on tried-and-tested treatments rather than unproven ones.

East Lancashire Health Authority, which pays for the district's health care, says targeting remedies with a record of success is the best way forward for patients.

Public health director Dr Stephen Morton said examining the "clinical effectiveness" of treatments would benefit patients.

The snoring-linked disorder sleep apnoea has already fallen victim to the health authority's cash squeeze.

Health chiefs withdrew funding after questioning the usefulness of the treatment: a face-mask style machine.

But Dr Morton said: "Our work has so far attracted more criticism than congratulations.

"Clinical effectiveness is good for patients.

"We should promote those interventions that are well proven to work.

"It is no good for patients to have treatments of unproven value."

Dr Morton has argued that the biggest opportunity of improving health lies in identifying and investing in services which are proved clinically effective by quality research.

He said the health authority had a duty to ensure that money spent on behalf of local people was used wisely.

Dr Morton added it was essential that every new drug and treatment introduced onto the market should endure rigorous assessment.

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