PEOPLE across East Lancashire have been urged to nominate their Community Nurse of the Year.

Residents in Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley and GPs and staff employed by the CommuniCare NHS Trust, have been urged to vote for the most outstanding community nurse over the past year.

The award is organised by the trustees of the Community Nurses Amenity Fund and is sponsored by Preston-based healthcare firm Vernon Carus, CommuniCare and Lancashire County Nursing Trust.

Nominations are open to anyone who wants to register their thanks for the work done by an individual nurse employed by CommuniCare.

Nurses who can be nominated include health visitors, district nurses, treatment room nurses, Marie Curie and hospital at home nurses.

Bridget Hilton, nurse director of CommuniCare, said: "The purpose of the award is to promote and reward high standards in community nursing care.

"This is the award's 11th year and to mark the millennium, we would like your support by nominating any nurse you believe fulfils the criteria of the award."

The first prize will be £500, second prize is £400 and third prize £300.

The winners will be announced on April 7 at the Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho. Final judge for the award is Tom Langlands, director of primary care nursing and education, for the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.

To nominate a community nurse, entry forms are available from any local health centre.

Nominations can also be sent by email to Vernon Carus at simon.hemingway@vernoncarus.co.uk. Deadline is February 28.

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