A NURSING team has been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade.

The Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven complex care team is a finalist in the Nursing Times Awards.

It is vying for the Prince of Wales Award for Integrated Approaches to Care.

The team – a partnership of health, social care and voluntary sector professionals – was originally commissioned as part of a 12-month project starting last year, but was subsequently recommissioned for a further two years.

It includes personal and carer support 'navigators', who work closely with individuals to provide help and link them with activities in their community.

The team works alongside patients with multiple long-term health conditions and their carers and families, providing more proactive and co-ordinated care and reducing unplanned admissions to hospital.

Helen Cowley, team leader, said: "Our aim is to support people with complex care needs to improve their wellbeing and help them look after their own health better, by giving them advice and the confidence and skills they need so they can make informed decisions about their care and live more independently.

"Goals are identified by the individual and all partners have a close, integrated working relationship."

Over 200 patients have so far been supported through the initiative.

The team will make a presentation to the awards judging panel next month and winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London, on November 2.