A TEAM which has dramatically improved a sexual health helpline was among the 'inspiring' winners at a major award ceremony for NHS staff in Lancashire.

The Contraception and Sexual Health Service, which works across East and Central Lancashire, scooped Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust's innovation award during a glitzy ceremony at the DeVere Hotel in Blackpool.

It was recognised for introducing a single phone number for the service, as many calls were previously unanswered and staff based at different sites were often difficult to locate.

The new number has more than halved the number of calls 'abandoned' by patients, due to frustration at not being able to speak to the right person, or calls not being picked up. The average call pick-up time is now 46 seconds.

Meanwhile, Sheila Kasaven, who lives in Barnoldswick and works at The Harbour in Blackpool, won the chief executive’s award for overall achievement, after making a huge impression during her first year with the trust.

She was described as a 'natural leader' who 'has an amazing way of getting people to want to be the best they can be'.

Joanne Millar, who lives in Preston and works out of Burnley Police Station, scooped the partnership working award for her role with the Integrated Offender Management Unit.

Michelle Heise, from Chorley, scooped the chairman's unsung hero award for her fundraising work, while the Blackburn-based Tissue Viability Team, that cares for patients with lymphoedema, won the patient quality award.

The Health and Leisure Team, who work at the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General hospital sites, were named as the non-clinical team of the year, after their work in organising baking and cookery competitions for mental health patients.

The service user and carer involvement award went to The Communities Against Cancer project, which has been raising awareness of bowel, lung and breast cancer in East Lancashire.

Derek Brown, trust chair, said: “The evening was a huge success and it was inspiring listening to the sponsors telling the stories of each of the shortlisted nominees. The atmosphere in the room was electric and I’m pleased that we can bring our staff together and honour the excellent work that occurs around Lancashire on a daily basis.”