PEOPLE have been invited to help in the hunt to find the 1999 Community Nurse of the Year.

The award is open to all community nurses employed by the CommuniCare NHS Trust, which covers Blackburn, Darwen,. Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

The type of nurses who can be nominated include district, school, Macmillan, treatment room, community hospital staff and Marie Curie

Margaret Bradley, trustee of the Community Nurses Amenity Fund, said: "We particularly want members of the public who are elderly or housebound, many of who regularly come into contact with community nursing staff, to nominate their choice.

"The purpose of the award is to promote and reward high standards of community nursing care."

Patients, carers, doctors, colleagues can nominate nurses. People can also nominate themselves.

The first prize will be £500, second is £400 and third £300.

Nomination forms are available from all major health centres and community hospitals. Completed forms should be sent to any health centre or community hospital.

The closing date for nominations is March 1 and the winner will be announced at the Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho, on April 16.

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