HEALTH Services in Bolton come under regular fire either because of a negative personal experience or a lack of cash has meant cuts.

But, we tend to forget among this endemic griping that we actually have a remarkable health service here. We might be full of praise for individual medical or ambulance staff when something happens to us or someone we love and the strength of the NHS is tested.

Every day, though, we have remarkable heath services on offer – at the Royal Bolton Hospital, at Bolton Hospice and at other pockets of excellence- that often don’t make the headlines but perform everyday miracles.

One that did make the headlines locally just last week was the news that the system of breast cancer checks available at RBH’s Breast Unit is to be copied around the country.

NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, issued new guidelines for hospitals round the UK about the three-in-one test for patients suspected of having breast cancer.

This triple assessment of examination, scan and biopsy is all carried out in Bolton in a single day and has been for the past 10 years. It reduces the stress and anxiety suffered by patients – and I can tell you that waiting a few weeks in between when you have the threat of breast cancer hanging over you is almost the worst part of the whole process.

Staff at the Breast Unit know first-hand the major benefits of this system, which not only helps the women (and men waiting for the same diagnosis) but also partners and families as well.

One visit alone may offer reassurance and end worry for many. For others, it is the speedy start of a journey to treatment and, hopefully, recovery. And this is definitely a cause for pride that our local hospital was so advanced and sensible in its thinking.

Another area of cancer care now available in Bolton that really helps sufferers and their families is the Macmillan Cancer Support Service Centre started at Giles House, next door to Bolton Hospice, last year.

This opens on Tuesdays and Thursdays offering information, advice and support to people affected by cancer. Around 1,350 new cancer cases are diagnosed in Bolton alone each year, posing many questions for sufferers and their families. Peace and understanding is freely available here.

So still think we have little to celebrate about our local health services?