An NHS advertising campaign to encourage hospital cleaning could be in line for a national award.

Cleaners, paramedics and doctors were involved in the North East Strategic Health Authority campaign, which urged people to keep hands clean in hospitals.

However, the effort to get the public to change their habits and become conscientious cleaners to prevent the spread of superbugs such as MRSA has won it a nomination for an Institute of Practitioners in Advertising award.

Claire Riley, strategic head of communications at the North East Strategic Health Authority, told the Evening Chronicle that the campaign had "definitely got the message across".

Launched in collaboration with Newcastle-based advertising agency Martin Tait Redheads (MTR), local staff were featured on bus posters and on TV and radio adverts.

Trade Union Unison has introduced five new awards for NHS staff members to reward those that have helped to promote cleaner hospital environments.