THE HARD work of staff at Wharfedale Hospital has been recognised at a celebration evening.

The inaugural event, held at Otley Golf Club, saw the contributions of employees in a variety of roles highlighted and praised.

A number of awards, including for Patient Champion and Delivering Excellent Care, were also presented on the night.

Those attending included staff from partner organisations which also provide services at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust hospital, including Villa Care and Local Care Direct.

Members of the Trust's executive team were also present to present the awards.

General Manager Iain MacBrairdy, said: "The evening was a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work delivered by all the teams at Wharfedale Hospital, and was a fitting way to recognise the dedication and pride with which the teams deliver care to their patients every day."

Director of Operations, Clare Smith, added: "The strong sense of community between the teams at Wharfedale Hospital enables a spirit of collaboration that shows staff at Wharfedale living the Leeds Way - the Trust's ethos - in everything they do.

"It really is worthy of celebration and I hope this event will be the first of many."

The awards ceremony was followed by a meal and an evening of dancing and entertainment, with live music provided by Carl Chambers, a Non-Executive Director with the Trust, and his band.

Among the winners on the night were Barbara Martinez, a Senior Sister at the Outpatients department, who received the Outstanding Contribution Award and Ward 1's Surgical Unit, which was named Team of the Year.