FAILING healthcare in west Wiltshire has been given almost £31 million in a bid to turn around struggling services.

West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is battling to clear a £2m annual debt and escape its zero star status, awarded after last year's Government inspections.

The struggling PCT is rated as one of the worst health authorities in the country.

This week the Government has given it an extra £14.7m to be spent over the next two years and a further £16.2m for 2007/8.

The cash injection will be spent on GPs, nurses, hospital treatment, health visitors, school nurses and campaigns to reduce deaths from coronary heart disease, cancer and smoking.

Cllr Jeff Osborn, a member of Wiltshire County Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: "We must look at improving the GP services and keeping the community hospitals open, but I don't think this money is enough.

"The PCT has been living from hand to mouth for years and I have been fearing they are going to cut one of the five community hospitals.

"I hope this money is not wasted and I hope they have got a proper strategic long term use for it."

Derek Harvey, director of finance for West Wiltshire PCT, said: "The funding allocations for 2006/7 and 2007/8 are more than ever before based on an assessment of health needs of local communities.

"For the first time, the funding properly recognises health needs associated with rural deprivation, not just the problems of inner cities."

The Government funding, announced by Health Secretary John Reid this week, means almost £1,200 will be spent on healthcare for every person in west Wiltshire each year.

Mr Harvey said: "We welcome the extra funding to support local health services, and the extra responsibilities given to Primary Care Trusts, the local arm of the NHS.

"There is a particular emphasis in reducing the time spent waiting for treatment even further, to a maximum of 18 weeks, and on efforts to prevent ill health by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

"The extra money does not arrive until April 2006. The extra resource reflects some of the pressures on the local NHS, but it remains important for us to live within our means."

West Wiltshire PCT received a critical report from the Health Commission last year, claiming the trust was paralysed by financial constraints.