FOR the second year running Herefordshire Primary Care Trust has been chosen by its nurses as a good place to work.

The PCT has been recognised as one of the top best 100 organisations in the UK among employers in the public, voluntary, private and independent sectors.

The verdict comes from The Nursing Times in conjunction with NHS Employers, who conducted a survey of randomly selected nurses, asking them how they thought their organisation measured up as an employer.

Herefordshire PCT was one of only 13 PCTs in the country to make the top 100 and within the West Midlands there were only three NHS organisations who made the list – the other two being hospital trusts.

The Nursing Times said Herefordshire PCT saw investment in workforce and staff development as key to providing high quality healthcare.

It provided subsidised holiday play schemes and had access to emergency childcare, as well as a carers’ policy for those with older dependents.

“Staff say they feel valued by patients and praise teamwork within the organisation,” said The Nursing Times.

Sue Doheny, director of operations at the PCT, said she was delighted they had been recognised as a top quality employer.

“Nursing plays an ever- increasing role in the NHS and we work hard as an employer to ensure the demands of the job are balanced with the right working conditions. This is a tremendous achievement, of which we are very proud,” she said.