AWARDS to recognise healthcare staff who are making a difference to patients were launched yesterday.

The 2006 Making a Difference Awards were revealed by Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT), the second year of the award scheme.

The recognition awards aim to reward excellence and service improvement, as well as acknowledge individuals for outstanding contributions to patients in the area.

The awards up for grabs are:

* Recognition of service to the community - for excellence in any NHS service within the local community.

* Excellence in primary care - for excellence within GP surgeries, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists.

* Driving forward change - for those developing new ways of working which improve local healthcare.

* Supporting PCT and patient services - for excellence in developing and supporting services to support healthcare locally.

There will be two awards in the employee of the year category - PCT employee of the year and primary care employee of the year - and everyone nominated for the other awards will be considered.

The winners will each receive a certificate, high street vouchers to the value of £100 and a commemorative gift.

The PCT is asking local people who have been impressed by the services, help or assistance received from local healthcare staff to nominate them for one of the awards.

Nomination forms are available from PCT offices, GP surgeries, dentists, pharmacies, opticians, health centres and community hospitals, or by calling Joanne Taylor or Anne Yuill on (01388) 458835.

The closing date is January 31 and the awards will be judged in February, ahead of a presentation in March at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland.