A NURSE has been presented with an award in recognition of the care and compassion with which she treats patients.

Practice nurse Carol Broadhead, from Framwellgate Moor Surgery, in Durham, was yesterday given Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust's first-ever Primary Care Staff Award.

The accolades are given to healthcare workers who have made a special contribution in the service they have provided for patients. The public can nominate health workers - from receptionists to health visitors - for the award, and a winner is chosen four times a year.

Ms Broadhead was nominated by one of her patients, Lyndsey Ward, 12, from Witton Gilbert, who presented her with a certificate and £100 worth of gift vouchers. Also at the ceremony was Lady Ann Calman, chairwoman of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust.

She said: "We received a number of nominations for members of the primary healthcare team who have performed exceptionally in their roles. Carol was chosen because of the exceptional care, compassion and encouragement she showed Lindsey during a course of medical treatment."

Nomination forms for the Primary Care Staff Award scheme are available in all GP surgeries, clinics and health centres in Durham and Chester-le-Street.