Suspect cancer treated faster

The clinics are expected to be set up by next summer

Patients with suspected bowel cancer are to benefit from faster treatment in Lancashire.

A pilot scheme for special clinics is being set up in the Preston and South Ribble area.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded £90,000 to set up a "one-stop" service.

The money, from the NHS Modernisation Agency, will be used to set up an appointment service run by five specially trained nurses and GPs.

The usual procedure for patients suffering bowel cancer symptoms is an examination by a surgeon.

'Fewer' cancellations

The scheme is aimed at reducing waiting times, so that all patients are seen within 31 days of being referred to the service.

It is also hoped the increase in specialists will ensure fewer operations are cancelled and that widespread bowel cancer screening can be carried out in the future.

The specialist training is expected to take a year to complete, with the first clinics opening next summer.