A HEALTH worker in North Yorkshire has won a national honour from the British Orthopaedic Association.

Laura Faulkner, a plaster room technician at Harrogate District Hospital, has been awarded the Golden Scissors award for 2007.

She achieved the highest mark in her recent British Orthopaedic Association examination in casting techniques at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, in Stanmore, Middlesex.

The technician has worked at the hospital for six years.

She started working with the nursing team on an orthopaedic wards when it was suggested she become a plaster technician.

She studied for six months, before sitting an exam.

It covered knowledge in areas including the skeleton and bones; trauma, fractures and their healing and complications; techniques of bandaging and the use of slings; casting techniques including care and checking of patients in casts, verbal and written advice given to patients, and the removal of casts.

"This award is credit to Laura's hard work and determination and is very much deserved," said consultant orthopaedic surgeon Ray Newman.

"Laura is continuing to develop her casting skills and general orthopaedic knowledge, which will undoubtedly further enhance the treatment of our patients."

She is the second Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust employee to win the award.

Fellow plaster room technician Steve Tennant won in 2003.