A CELEBRATION party will be held at Bolton Moat House on Thursday night to mark the end of a chapter in the town's community health.

Because of a radical health shake-up next April, the community trust will no longer exist.

It will be replaced by Bolton's Primary Care Trust which will cover GPs, dentists, local health workers and hospital staff.

And to celebrate seven years of achievement, staff from the community healthcare trust will be invited to the party.

Teams and individuals are to be singled out on the night for their exceptional service and health work in the town.

Chief executive of the trust, Patrick Wallace, said: "Since its formation in 1994, this organisation has developed and grown significantly and this growth deserves recognition.

"All our staff have contributed in some way to this organisation's many achievements and we hope the celebrations on November 1 will demonstrate our appreciation of their efforts.

"As this organisation moves towards Primary Care Trust status, it is important that we celebrate the achievements to date and recognise the hard work of our workforce who have made these possible."

Community Healthcare Bolton NHS Trust started life in September 1994, seeing 1,500 patients a day. Today it sees 3,250 patients a day.

Mr Ray Makin, chairman of the trust, said: "It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve as chairman of this trust and the events planned for November 1 go some small way to recognising the efforts of such a dedicated and highly motivated workforce.

"Our achievements as a trust are numerous and the network of services provided in a community setting has expanded greatly.

"This is great news for patients and a great tribute to the many people within this organisation who have contributed to its growth and development."