HOSPITAL bosses on Teesside are leading the way in wiping out prejudice between staff and patients.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust has been recognised for its work in promoting equality in its hospitals and has been selected to host a Government initiative as a reward.

The Department of Health's Positively Diverse project aims to support differences in age, gender, race, religion and other equality issues.

The trust is the only one in the North to be awarded lead site status, which means it will act as a training centre for other NHS trusts to help them implement similar practices.

A one-off payment of £5,000 from the Government will help the trust set up staff forums for minority employees and fund workshops and training events.

Lynne Storey, the trust's human resources manager, said: "As an NHS trust, we employ, treat and work with people with a full range of cultural, educational, age, ability and sexual differences.

"We are committed to encouraging staff to understand and value one another's differences and are delighted to be held up as a blueprint for our colleagues throughout the NHS."