A MAJOR conference to discuss ways to improve children's healthcare in Bolton and surrounding towns was staged in Manchester today.

Headed by the Chief Executive of the Wigan and Bolton Health Authority, Dr Tom Mann, the forum of 60 health professionals will speak at UMIST to put forward proposals to improve child care in hospitals and the community.

Keynote speakers will be Professor David Hall, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Miss Leela Kapila from the Royal College of surgeons.

The conference is expected to reveal steps to improve accident and emergency care for children, child surgery, obstetrics and neonatal care across Greater Manchester.