RESIDENTS in north Durham have been asked to help recognise exceptional contributions of healthcare staff.

Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust (PCT) yesterday launched a new award scheme to recognise the achievements of primary care staff in the area.

The aim of the Primary Care Trust Achievement Awards is to reward excellence and service improvement, and to recognise individuals in primary care who have made an exceptional contribution in the service they have provided for patients in Durham and Chester-le-Street.

The awards give all staff from across the PCT, including front line staff, the opportunity to be nominated for one of a range of awards or to be recognised for long service or an educational achievement. The awards will be presented at two different events.

Members of staff from the PCT and local GP surgeries, with more than 25, 30, or 40 years service with the NHS, will be recognised for their loyalty at a presentation event on September 1 at County Hall in Durham.

Presentations will also be made at this event to staff who have completed an educational achievement during the year, for example, degree or postgraduate qualification.

The PCT is also asking local people and health care staff in the area to nominate members of staff working in their GP or dental surgery, opticians, pharmacy, health clinic, community hospital or PCT headquarters for an achievement award.

The award categories are: for publication of an article in a national publication in 2004/05; national recognition for research and development; recognition of excellent service to the community; excellence in primary care and for supporting PCT and patient services.

Staff can also be nominated for an overall Special Recognition award.

The closing date for all entries is August 31. All nominations can be submitted confidentially.

Nomination forms for the awards will be available in PCT offices, GP surgeries, dentists, pharmacies, opticians and health centres.