CLINICAL research nurses at Lancashire's mental health trust have scooped a national prize.

A team of nine nurses attended a glamorous ceremony in London to collect a Nursing Times Award, which recognises their 'outstanding' work to improve dementia care and treatment.

They identify new studies which may help to improve care, while developing working relationships with industry partners and academics.

Heather Iles-Smith, research and innovation lead, said: "The team are delighted that the important work involved in research has been recognised at such a prestigious event and by our peers.

“The work the team does has really helped people diagnosed with dementia in Lancashire have increased access to various treatments and therapies which, without the research, would not have been available."

Dee Roach, director of nursing, said: “I am absolutely delighted the team has been awarded for their outstanding work. To win a Nursing Times Award is a coveted accolade as it recognises the excellent contribution nurses make towards health care.

"At a time of constant changes within the NHS, to be able to provide innovative, compassionate care and treatments in a complex area such as dementia makes me incredibly proud of our profession."

Meanwhile, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust received four prizes at the recent Greater Manchester Clinical Research Awards.

Dr Srikanth Chukkambotla collected the 'collaboration award' for two research teams who worked together to introduce studies to clinical departments and wards that hadn’t traditionally participated in research.

Dr Anton Krige earned a runner-up award for his work as Greater Manchester’s specialist lead for anaesthetics, and recruiting an impressive 133 volunteers for one research project in just 48 hours.

Consultant rheumatologist, Dr Lee-Suan Teh, was named runner-up in the lifetime achievement category, as was the Pharmacy Research Team in the research impact category.

Kevin McGee, the trust's chief executive, said: “We are proud of our clinical research staff whose work helps our doctors and nurses provide safe and effective care for the people of East Lancashire.”