THE Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust that runs Holsworthy Hospital and local community health and social care services was highly commended at a national awards ceremony for its use of a high-tech electronic system to ensure safe staffing levels.

The trust was a finalist in the 'project team of the year' category at the annual Allocate Awards in Birmingham.

The trust has used the HealthRoster staff management system since 2008.

It has since become one of the first trusts in the country to roll out additional software called SafeCare and CAM.

The eRoster system enables the trust to plan and manage the entire workforce to ensure staff are aligned with the clinical needs of patients.

The system covers all staff groups and types, whether permanent, bank or agency, and has helped the trust to maintain and improve safety, quality, efficiency and compliance.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.