NURSES in north Durham have joined forces to produce a strategy to improve care services across the area.

The strategy will be launched today by Chief Nursing Officer for England and Wales Professor Christine Beasley and Professor Christine Edwards, director of nursing at County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority.

The initiative, called Nursing Matters in Derwentside, has taken 18 months to complete and sets out how nursing services will be developed in the future.

The aim is to support Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) staff and ensure the highest standard of nursing care is provided to patients.

Peter Innes, chairman of Derwentside PCT, said: "We want to provide a high-quality health improvement and health care service. We need to value and develop the knowledge, skills and experience of our nursing staff.

"The Nursing Strategy for Derwentside will enhance the working lives of nurses as well as enabling them to improve the lives of patients, carers and the public.

"We look forward to the further strengthening of public confidence in the nursing profession as nurses develop the way they promote health through the delivery of high quality, patient-focused care as envisaged in this Nursing Strategy."

It was developed by nursing staff and the public and their views have been reflected in the strategy document and through the five themes which will provide the direction for nursing services.

The themes are public involvement, planning future, communication, leadership and education, training and development.

Helen Tucker, director of patient services, clinical governance and nursing at the PCT, said: "The Nursing Strategy will provide a framework for developing nursing services in the area in line with the national NHS modernisation agenda.

"We hope the process we have undertaken demonstrates to staff, patients and the public that nurses and nursing care is respected and valued. Nurses represent the largest sector of the workforce and we are committed to providing a proactive, supportive and learning environment in which innovation will flourish.

"I want Derwentside to be known for having the best community nursing service in the country."

A copy of Nursing Matters in Derwentside will be available on the PCT's website www.derwentside-pct.nhs.uk