Jacqueline Foxton, 45, of Tingley, Leeds, won the payout after developing the allergy while working as a community nurse for the former Wakefield West Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Her solicitor David Cartwright, of Towells, Wakefield, speaking after the judgement, said: "The condition once contracted is permanent.

"Mrs Foxton has not been able to work since contracting the illness. Her job prospects are extremely limited if not non-existent."

Such is the extent of her allergy Mrs Foxton is prone to reactions including swelling of the face and wheezing if she comes in contact with latex in a number of environments including the dentist, sports shops, DIY shops, shoe shops and rubber products such as balloons and others.

Mr Cartwright added: "This has been particularly traumatic for Mrs Foxton to have to deal with. Her job and her family have been pivotal in her life."

It was alleged that the PCT did not screen Mrs Foxton against the development of a latex allergy and did not have a latex policy in place at the time.

Judge John Behrens, sitting at Leeds County Court, made an order for damages in favour of Mrs Foxton. The extent of the damages have not been revealed.

Mrs Foxton, who is married with two children, began working for the PCT in 2003 and developed a latex allergy in 2004.

Last night a spokesman for NHS Wakefield District, said: "Now that the court has made a decision on this case we will be looking into the implications and making sure that we learn any necessary lessons from this."