Dedication sees pair up for award

DEDICATION . . . Samantha Uttley (left) and Ruqia Bibi

A DEDICATED health team has been nominated for an award for its work with young people.

The Centre Health Team, part of NHS Oldham, has been shortlisted for an Asian Fusion Awards in Community Cohesion.

The team of three is based in The Centre, Oldham’s targeted youth support centre based at Positive Steps in Union Street, and sees teenagers either on a referral or drop-in basis dealing with a wide range of health issues.

Team leader and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Janette Butterworth nominated two of her team for the award as acknowledgement for their hard work in breaking down barriers.

She said: “This service was set up for young people in October, 2006, when we were seeing 40 young people a month, now we are seeing closer to 350 a month.

“This increase is largely down to the dedication and hard work from the two team members, Ruqia Bibi (assistant practitioner) and Samantha Uttley (senior healthcare assistant).

“They never give up and will go over and above what is expected of them to ensure health care provision is provided to every young person indiscriminately.”

The team offers a range of health care services to young people including chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening and treatment, nicotine replacement therapy, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, immunisations, health screenings and advice on lifestyle.

The service is available for all young people in Oldham aged 13-19, and is open Monday to Friday, with three late nights and on Saturday from 10am-2pm.