A TEAM of nurses at a Hampshire health trust have been shortlisted for a top award.

The nurses, who work for Calmore-based Southern Health, provide vital follow-up care for people with heart failure after they leave hospital.

By working with GPs and other local healthcare professionals they ensure that patients are better supported as they manage their condition.

Special clinics set up in GP surgeries have increased the number of people who can be seen and also result in better care plans.

Now the South East Hants and Fareham and Gosport Community Heart Failure Service has been shortlisted for one of the Alliance Awards presented by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

More than 500,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with heart failure, which occurs when blood is not pumped around the body as well as it should be.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the BHF, said: “The passion and motivation of this team is apparent to all those working with them.

“They’ve helped harness the talent and energy of those around them to generate ideas and solve problems. Because of their sustained hard work and dedication they’ve helped ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care.”

The awards are judged by cardiology and healthcare experts who look for teams and individuals who gone above and beyond the call of duty.

This year's accolades will be presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference in Manchester, next Tuesday.

One of the nurses, Trish Phillips, said: “I'm honoured to receive this acknowledgement from the BHF. Along with my colleagues, my aim is to improve care for people with this debilitating condition.

“We're constantly striving to innovate and drive the service forward and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that this work is so valued.”