BOLTON is set to become a beacon for public health services -- after the Government has given funding for two "super" nurses.

The consultant nurses will be taken on in Bolton to improve the town's wound treatment and public health.

These appointments are in line with the Government's NHS Plan and Modernisation agendas and means Bolton is leading the way. An expert nurse will be in charge of wound, leg ulcer management and pressure sore management.

Community Healthcare Bolton NHS Trust established a nurse-led leg ulcer clinic in 1995.

The service has developed and expanded as a centre of excellence, with six satellite centers operating from health centers in and around Bolton. The trust will soon be recruiting to find the top consultant nurses who will work closely with Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust.

As the eyes of the NHS watch Bolton's progress, the new post-holder in wound management will shake-up clinical practice working closely with patients and carers.

The nurse consultant in public health will be key to improving education and research for nursing staff.

Responsibilities include recapturing the community focus by involving more local people.

Mrs Mary Cropper, Director of Operations with Community Healthcare Bolton NHS Trust, said: "These two posts will enhance the further development of community nursing services into the new Primary Care Trust and we are very proud to say that Bolton will leading the way in the development of these services nationally."

The two posts will be advertised in the autumn.