NURSES from the new burns and plastics unit at Whiston hospital scooped the prizes for an NHS staff Carers Award.

The competition, organised by St Helens and Knowsley Community Health Council, asked patients in both hospital and community trusts, to submit the names of staff who in their opinion had been most understanding, hardworking and caring.

The jointly-awarded first prize of £300 in holiday vouchers was won by Sue Kelly, auxiliary nurse on ward G1 Whiston hospital, and Joan Brislen, district nurse at Lathom Road Clinic, Huyton.

Sue's nomination was written by 23-year-old Richard Goodwin who had been admitted to the burns unit following a serious chemical accident at his place of work in Crewe.

"She deserves a medal," said Richard. "I was pretty miserable after the accident and very grumpy but she cheered me up and never complained when I was irritable."

The whole team from the burns injury unit received tributes in the competition. A presentation of the awards was made by John Fletcher, chairman of the Community Health Council.

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