A CHEST specialist at a North-East hospital has been shortlisted for a national award.

Dr Sunshill Bansal's team at Sunderland Royal Infirmary has set up a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease service for the elderly.

The service has resulted in reduced hospital re-admission rates and stays.

The Sunderland team is one of three finalists picked for the respiratory category in the Hospital Doctor awards 2002. Winners will be announced on November 12.