LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has quizzed the Prime Minister in order to get more sustained investment into Leigh's health services.

Mr Burnham has urged Tony Blair 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.

Figures suggest that 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 pc 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. This will replace the old system that has been in place for over 20 years and is outdated.

"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."

"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.

"Leigh needs not just more money this year but sustained investment into its Health services. I will continue to fight to see this happen."