STAFF and volunteers at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have won recognition for their efforts during the past year.

Thirteen Pride of Airedale awards have been presented.

The accolades were open to people from across the trust and AGH Solutions, its wholly-owned subsidiary.

This year saw a record 383 nominations put forward in the annual awards programme.

A presentation ceremony, the first to be held face-to-face since the pandemic, took place at Ilkley Lawn Tennis Club.

Foluke Ajayi, the trust's chief executive, says: "I was immensely proud to take part in this celebration and what made it particularly special were the stories we heard about all the nominees; they were uplifting and inspiring in equal measure and demonstrate the compassion for patients, visitors and colleagues that typifies 'team Airedale'.

"Every nominee deserves to feel truly proud. The nominations reflect their dedication and commitment, and their values shine through."

Winners included Ward 14, which enjoyed double success, taking both the Clinical Team of the Year accolade and the Quality Award for Outstanding Patient Experience.

Senior sister and ward manager, Gintu Thomas, said: "Winning two awards was completely unexpected, but we’re so incredibly proud as a team.

"Thank you to my colleagues on the ward, who are all extremely hard working and dedicated and support each other. Ward 14 is a great team."

An Unsung Hero Award went to physiotherapist Charlotte Watkinson, whose nomination commended her positive outlook and said she "always remains calm and professional".

She said: "I was lost for words to receive this award. I feel very grateful to work with amazing therapy, nursing and social care colleagues and I wouldn’t be able to do my job without them."

Trainee of the Year was Dr Elliot Greenwood, who received a record seven nominations.

Other winners were: Airedale Partnership Award – Paula Walsh, laundry and linen senior supervisor, AGH Solutions; Colleague of the Year (AGH Solutions) – Jonathan Phillips, theatre porter; Colleague of the Year (clinical) – Kathryn Webster, team leader, stroke therapy; Colleague of the Year (non-clinical) – Julie Hartley, attraction and retention lead; Leader of the Year – Nicola Stone, therapy service admin manager; Meeting the Needs Award – Gareth Williams, head of patient meal services, AGH Solutions; Quality Improvement Award – Home FAST team (first assessment support team); Team of the Year (AGH Solutions) – switchboard; and Team of the Year (non-clinical) – Patient Advice and Liaison Service.