PATIENTS with lung diseases across West Lancashire will still able to access an important service following the intervention of local MP Rosie Cooper.

Rosie lobbied NHS Central Lancashire (formerly Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust) after patients were faced with the prospect of being without a pulmonary rehabilitation service for a minimum of nine months until a new service had been procured.

But MP Rosie managed to secure an interim service at Ormskirk Hospital, providing a specialist pulmonary rehabilitation programme for two sessions a week.

The interim service is due to start on November 14, and Rosie has been assured that the service will continue until the new permanent provider is in place, meaning there will be no break in service.

Rosie, MP for West Lancashire, explained: “It is good news because this means that patients will be able to continue getting the treatment they need more quickly than they would have had this interim service not been put into place.

“As my mother suffered from a lung disease, I understand just how important this service is to people.

“Pulmonary rehabilitation really helps people who have lung disease live as normal a life as possible. That is why those affected were so concerned at the prospect of having to wait for months while the new service was procured.

“I am pleased as the interim arrangements mean that lung disease suffers will continue to be able to receive high quality care without any gaps in service.”