Minister recognises war zone nurses for bravery

HEALTH staff who combine working in the NHS and in military field hospitals are in line for awards, it has been announced.

Public health minister Shona Robison launched the scheme yesterday at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where nurses gathered to open the nominations.

The aim is to recognise those who visit war zones to help soldiers when their general day job is in the Lothians' community and hospitals.

Ms Robison said: "These brave men and women have regular jobs in Scotland's health service, taking care of us all, day in, day out. Through their service as TA reservists they also take the skills they learn in Scotland and use them to help save lives on operations – most recently in Afghanistan.

"In turn, the expertise they gain benefits patients in Scotland when they come home."