Dudley hospital staff have been recognised for their dedication and commitment to patient care at an annual awards ceremony.

More than 300 staff from the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust gathered at The Venue in Dudley, for the Committed to Excellence awards ceremony.

Hosted by Classic FM presenter Nicholas Owen, the ceremony recognised individuals and teams who go the extra mile for patients. Individuals and teams based at Dudley hospitals and in the community were presented with awards at the event, sponsored by Interserve and Cougar Monitoring.

New Trust chairman Jenni Ord praised the winners and those shortlisted. Speaking to the Halesowen News, she said: “It has been my privilege to learn about some of the fantastic services and staff commitment at The Dudley Group.

“I am sure we have all seen and felt the care, respect and responsibility shown by all the nominees. Long may it continue for all our patients and public.”

The Trust’s specialist dementia unit, the Forget-me-not Unit, was crowned the winner of the Excellence in Service Improvement category for its innovative ideas to provide the best care and support for patients with dementia and acute confusion.

B2 ward clinical support worker, Jennie Breeze, won first place in the Unsung Hero clinical category and C4 ward clinical support worker, Suzanne Appleton, was named winner of the Excellence in Patient Care award; and the first place Team Excellence award went to the Endoscopy Department.

Tragic Dudley Group shift lead Hugh Davies, who died in a motorcycle accident in Brierley Hill on June 30 last year on his way to work, was also honoured at the awards ceremony.