A HEALTH visitor has been shortlisted for a national award for her work in raising the awareness of health needs among the travelling community.

Jill Salkeld was nominated for the Association of Health Care Communicators award under the category of Health Inequalities and Public Health.

Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT) nominated her for the award for her work with travelling families on the East Howle site, near Ferryhill. Mrs Salkeld has been able to produce her own health promotion literature specific to the travellers' needs, which she hopes will be distributed nationally.

The work was carried out with the help of a £1,500 grant from the Foundation of Nursing Studies and funding from Sure Start Ferryhill and Chilton and the Specialist Health Promotion Services at Sedgefield and Darlington.

Mrs Salkeld, who works at Ferryhill Clinic and employed by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, has found that travellers have their own specific health issues which include dental health, diet, play and stimulation and uptake of health services.

She said: "The children really enjoyed it. Everyone is really friendly and I've now built up good relationships with them.

"As far as the children's health clinic goes they are definitely coming to us more, but it will take quite a while to see what impact it will have.

"I am delighted to be shortlisted for this award and am looking forward to attending the presentation ceremony on Glasgow on June 26."

Alan Gray, chairman of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, said: "I am really pleased to see Jill's work being recognised nationally.

"This is a terrific boost for Jill and health visitors in the Sedgefield PCT area.

"Here at Sedgefield PCT we rate our health visitors very highly. I am pleased to see that the national award judges do too."