PASSENGERS arriving at Manchester Airport with a sprained ankle, bloody nose or an upset tummy can now get on-the-sport medical advice.

A new team of nurses and support workers are on hand to provide emergency care and first aid for patients, staff and customers..

The 18-strong nursing team and six support workers have a range of skills and experience learned in accident and emergency, paediatrics, primary care and acute hospital settings. They will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days week, and are fully integrated with the airport's NHS Walk-In Centre in Terminal 1.

They will offer advice on minor illnesses and injuries and provide treatment for the seriously injured and critically ill.

The NHS nurses and support workers are full time employees of South Manchester Primary Care Trust who have recently taken over the provision of emergency care from Manchester Airport's own staff.

Lead Nurse Karl Cook said: "Nursing services are now being provided by the NHS and supported by its integrated health network.

"Our aim is always to act in the patients' best interests and to protect them from harm.

"Clearly it will be an improved service to passengers and staff. All our emergency nursing staff have at least five years' post qualification service, so we are offering a high quality service to everyone from passengers to staff."

The nurse practitioners include Greicha Berwick, a casualty nurse for 17 years; Michael Rutherford, who worked in community nursing, accident and emergency and on hospital wards; Trish Briggs, a practice nurse for 18 years; Raymonde Kirkham, a casualty nurse for 25 years and a district nurse for four years; Ann Rodgers, who has experience in medical admissions and ward work, and Rhonette Hambleton, who has 10 years of experience in A & E, intensive care and community nursing.

Airport staff and customers are welcome to visit the NHS Walk-In Centre to discuss any issues or give any feedback on the new scheme.