RECEPTIONISTS from GP practices across North Durham were rewarded yesterday after completing an intensive training course.

Lady Ann Calman, chair of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust, presented 11 GP receptionists with certificates as they finished the 12-day training programme.

The programme covered several aspects of the receptionists' work and was also designed to teach some of the medical terms that they will encounter in their day-to-day work.

The receptionists were presented with their awards at a ceremony in John Snow House on Durham University's Science Park.

Lady Calman said: "Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust recognises the valuable contribution of GP receptionists, medical secretaries, administrators and health care assistants in primary care.

"These training courses help give staff a greater understanding of primary care and also help in maintaining standards of patient care."

Practice managers from Middle Chare, Great Lumley, Chastleton, Bridge End and Cestria Health Centre practice managers also received awards for completing the Health Quality Service Improvement Programme, the national programme designed to improve quality of care in the NHS.