PATIENTS with suspected heart failure in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley are not being effectively diagnosed, a health watchdog has revealed.

Diagnosis services for cardiac problems in the two boroughs, are 'weak', according to a survey conducted by the Healthcare Commission.

But more encouraging performance is recorded for treatments and the range of services and support given to heart patients.

And adequate steps are being taken to reduce the number of hospital admissions and mortality rates for one of East Lancashire's biggest killers, the Commission said.

But the diagnosis failings in particular have resulted in cardiac services, offered by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust, and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust being given a poor rating overall.

The Commission said services do not meet minimum requirements or the reasonable expectations of the public'.

But Dr Ellis Friedman, public health director for East Lancashire PCT, said the data was old and significant improvements had been made.

Anna Walker, the commission's chief executive, said: "Our report suggests that not all those that need treatment are getting it.

"Primary care trusts and GPs need to monitor the number of patients they deal with in comparison to national statistics."

Elsewhere the outlook is rosier for people living with Blackburn and Darwen - and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

The services in the neighbouring areas are both said to be beyond minimum standards and public expectations'.

Heart failure diagnosis and support services are only ranked as fair' for both areas but a better rating is given to treatment planning and admissions and mortality ratios.

But Dr Friedman said: "This is historical data which is the result of a survey of heart failure services in 2005/06.

"There have been considerable improvements to these services since then.

"One significant innovation has been the introduction of three community-based specialist heart failure nurses who are based in East Lancashire and support GPs in the care of patients who have experienced heart failure."

Lynn Wisset, clinical care director at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Last year the Royal Blackburn Hospital opened a new cardiac catheter laboratory which has lead to over 1,000 patients having their initial cardiac investigations performed locally - previously patients had to go to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

"We are also pleased to announce that three cardiac consultants will be joining the team over the coming months."