BOLTON'S ambulance service goes under major scrutiny next week.

The Greater Manchester Ambulance Service will be assessed by the Commission for Health Improvement(CHI) inspectors, with results being made public in the summer.

The inspectors will look at all aspects of the emergency and passenger transport services.

They will study whether GMAS is a giving good standard of care to local people.

The assessment will be carried out by a team who are allowed by law to ask questions of all GMAS staff.

Commission chairman Dame Deirdre Hine said: "We aim to improve standards of care by focusing on the experience of those using the NHS.

"We want the NHS to see itself as the patients see it. Sometimes, that process will be an uncomfortable one, but it is vital if we are to provide a better service."

NHS Direct, the telephone nurse-led advice line, will also be under scrutiny.