HEALTH care staff from across the Durham Dales were honoured at an awards ceremony to recognise their work.

Two years ago, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) launched their Making a Difference Awards to reward staff who make a real impact on the quality of health care received by patients in the area.

The awards were judged by a panel of employees, a patient representative and a non-executive director from the PCT, and nominations came from colleagues and patients.

Last week saw the second ceremony, held at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland. Each winner received a certificate, high street vouchers worth £100, and a commemorative gift.

Paul Taylor, acting chairman of the PCT said: "The Making a Difference Awards are designed specifically to highlight the excellent care and service improvement that is delivered in the Durham Dales.

"I would like to congratulate everyone who was nominated for an award and thank them for their continued hard work and dedication."

Excellence in Primary Care

Winner: Durham Dales Nurse-Led Practice, Portland House, Willington.

Established three years ago, the practice aims to reduce illness and provide full primary care services to local people living in care homes and received four nominations.

Judges praised the "exceptionally high quality services" delivered by the small team and said: "Their professionalism is acclaimed and they have a wonderful rapport with service users."

Runners up: West Auckland Dental Practice; Bishopgate District Nursing Team, Bishop Auckland.

Recognition of Service to the Community

Winner: Phil Gover, PCT joint planning manager.

Mr Gover received three nominations for his strong leadership, drive, commitment and enthusiasm. He has also attracted substantial amounts of funding through the Healthy Living Programme and the NRF allocations.

Judges said: "These are trailblazing innovations which will have a lasting effect on the health of the residents of the Durham Dales. He has the ability to win the hearts and minds of partner agencies and provides the PCT with a strong foundation."

Runners up: Anya Bostock, PCT occupational therapist; Maureen Spencer, District Nurse, Bishopgate Medical Centre, Bishop Auckland.

Driving Forward Challenge

Winner: Kim Moore, health visitor, Station View Medical Centre, Bishop Auckland.

Ms Moore has been instrumental in arranging UNICEF breast feeding training locally. She has also run antenatal workshops, and developed existing breast feeding support groups in Bishop Auckland. She received two nominations and the judges said: "Kim is passionate and enthusiastic and is a leading light.

" She is an asset to the area."

Runners up: Barbara Wingrove, MS specialist nurse; Richardson Hospital Healthcare Assistants, Barnard Castle.

Supporting PCT and Patient Services.

Winner: PCT Nursing Administration Team.

This nomination comprised of four individual nominations made by their line manager for Lynn Maxwell, Niki Tremewan, Yvonne Craig and Pauline Woods - but it was agreed that they should be nominated as a team as that is what they are.

The judges said: "Without their support, the whole of the nursing directorate would crumble. More that 300 staff, mainly front line clinicians, depend on their support and administration skills."

Runners up: The PCT Shared Service Information Team; Viv Kenyon and Jemma Baldock, receptionists.

PCT Employee of the Year.

Winner: Wendy Dobinson, district nurse, Willington.

Having lived and worked in the Willington and Hunwick area since 1976, Ms Dobinson is well known around the towns. She has been the Royal College of Nursing representative with the Durham Dales for many years and judges said she is "always being at the front of new changes and will always strive to ensure that her colleagues and patients are treated fairly."

They added: "Wendy is described as being fair minded and she displays the kind of integrity that some can only aspire to."

Runner up: Katharine Humby, Patient Advice and Liaison Service manager.

Primary Care Employee of the Year.

Winner: Dr Jenny Skinner, consultant in palliative care.

Dr Skinner, who received two nominations, works across the Durham Dales and Sedgefield areas providing palliative care to terminally-ill people. She also provides support to GPs and the nursing staff involved.

She was praised for her hard work and dedication by the judges, who said: "We have come to the conclusion that she is jet propelled because of the miles she covers, the number of patients she visits and the advice she provides. This lady is one in a million."

Dr Skinner was unable to attend, but asked Julie Walton, modern matron at Weardale Community Hospital, to collect the award on her behalf.

Runner up: Lynn Reed, Sure Start co-ordinator, Willington and Dene Valley.

Team of the Year

Winner: Weardale Locality Team.

The multi-agency team of nursing, health and social care professionals provides the health needs for all residents of Weardale. Every weekend, at St John's Chapel, Stanhope and Wolsingham, the team provided a health tent with the Health Promotion Roadshow. Well over 30,000 people attended the shows.

Judges said: "This is innovative and proactive health care in action. This commitment to improving health does not happen without a great deal of hard work and dedication."

Runner up: North House Surgery reception staff, Crook.

Long Service Awards

The following people received a certificate and vouchers for working within the NHS for 15 or more years:

Martyn Boyd (15 years)

Kim Dodds (15 years)

Pauline Woods (15 years)

Kay McAnnanay (18 years)

Jane Birtley, Victoria Bartch, Gillian Pringle, Lisa Bevan, Helen Henderson, Michelle Rutter, Carole Wade, Susan Smith, Gloria Taylor and Wendy Raine could not attend but will receive their certificates and vouchers.

The following people received a certificate and vouchers for working within the NHS for 25 or more years:

Jill Church (28 years)

Judith Barrett (33 years)

Maureen Nicholson (33 years).