LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has urged the Prime Minister to get more investment into Leigh's health services.

Mr Burnham told Tony Blair he wants him to close Britain's health gap by targeting more health funds on areas of greatest local need.

According to the Leigh MP, who is a member of the Health Select Committee, health inequalities still exist around the country, specifically in the North-west, and Leigh is also suffering.

Mr Burnham said: "Leigh needs sustained investment into its health services. I will continue to fight for this."

Figures show the mortality rate is much higher in certain parts of the country. In Wigan and Bolton the chance of celebrating your 75th birthday is six per cent less than the national average.

Mr Burnham, said: "It is not hard to see a connection between funding and mortality rates. This is why the Department of Health is currently developing a new formula for the allocation of resources to communities.

"The old system does not give sufficient weight to levels of deprivation and ill health. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get a good deal for the borough. The writing of this new formula could bring into our area dividends for many years to come."

He added: "I welcome the new resources being invested into the NHS. However, it is important that this money is spent correctly and where it is most needed. The Prime Minister assured me that the review of the formula used to allocate resources is taking into account such health inequalities.