A HEALTH trust has received an award for providing a good working environment.

North Tees Primary Care Trust (PCT) has satisfied the third and final stage of a Government initiative to improve the workplace.

Improving Working Lives (IWL), set up by the Department of Health, ensures everyone working in the NHS can enjoy a good work/life balance.

The award comprises seven standards, including flexible retirement, childcare and support for others; healthy workplace; staff involvement and communication; human resource strategy and management; flexible working; training and development and equality and diversity.

The PCT satisfied the first stage of the award in April 2002 and achieved the next stage in March 2003.

During the past few months, all staff at the PCT have been working to achieve the third and final stage, Practice Plus.

Chief executive Chris Willis said: "This is a really positive step for all staff at the PCT.

"I am delighted to see the hard work of every member of our workforce recognised and rewarded in this way.

"Through IWL, the PCT has striven to demonstrate that all staff are valued."