ACCESS to healthcare in Westhoughton will be at the heart of a Bolton MP’s election campaign.

Julie Hilling has criticised the lack of district nursing resources in her Bolton West constituency.

She claims older and disabled people are having to travel across Bolton for basic treatments after plans for a new health centre in Westhoughton were scrapped in 2010.

New proposals to provide health services at Winnifred Kettle Care Home, which is due to be refurbished this year, have been welcomed by the MP.

Ms Hilling said: “The lack of health services available in our small towns in Bolton West is a huge issue for local residents.

“Many people I speak to in Westhoughton and other areas in my constituency are in desperate need of local health services to access treatment.

“I have worked alongside Bolton Council, the CCG and the hospital who have done a fantastic job in getting more services into Winifred Kettle, despite cuts from central government.”

“Our district nurses and health professionals do a fantastic job, but this government needs to realise local health services are necessary in allowing us to get the treatment we need.”

A district nurse service in Westhoughton was closed when the facilities were deemed not fit for purpose.

Patients now have to travel to Horwich, the Pikes Lane Centre on Deane Road or centre in Bolton if they need district nursing services.

Housebound patients unable to commute are still treated at home.

Ms Hilling added: “I think it’s really worrying that older and disabled people are being forced to travel for miles to the other side of Bolton for things like dressing changes and regular health checks. I welcome the possibility of health services being provided at the refurbished Winifred Kettle.”

Su Long, chief officer of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Winifred Kettle is currently managed by Bolton Council and provides intermediate and respite beds. These will close next year, as part of joint work between NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, the council, the foundation trust, and GPs to make health and social care more joined up.

“As part of this reorganisation, we will be exploring the potential to use this site to provide some NHS services and improve access.”