A MAJOR training programme has proved just the tonic for healthcare staff.

As part of NVQ courses taken by employees of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Care Trust, staff have instigated more than 30 changes to the way the organisation operates. The improvements have included a new complaints procedure and re-design of office layouts.

More than 40 successful candidates were presented with NVQs by chief executive John Thomas.

"The NVQ programme which we have undertaken with Lancashire Enterprises and ELTEC is going from strength to strength," said Mr Thomas.

"It has a very important role to play in the training and development of staff which in turn has a direct impact on the quality of service to patients."

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