Staff members at Airedale Hospital have won national and international recognition for the quality of their work.

Nurse Jane Pearce has been awarded a certificate from the Multiple Sclerosis Nurses International Certification Board, while Nona Toothill, Airedale’s urology specialist, has been shortlisted for a national nursing award.

Haworth resident Mrs Pearce, 50, has gained her certificate after passing a stringent examination for all nurses worldwide who provide MS care.

Only nine people each year sit the exam, which is part-funded by the International Organisation of MS Nurses and the UK Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Nurses Association.

Mrs Pearce, who has been an MS specialist nurse for eight years, said: “This highly valued qualification has allowed me to improve my practice, increase my knowledge and encouraged me to develop both personally and professional expertise in my field, which will ultimately benefit my patients.”

Mrs Toothill, 45, from Cowling, is one of three people in the country competing for the Urology Nurse of the Year category of the British Journal of Nursing Awards 2014. She will take part in an awards ceremony in London on March 21.

She works with staff in nursing and residential homes, and supports urologists in their clinics, where patients with prostate problems are assessed and offered help.

Mrs Toothill said: “I’m delighted to be shortlisted, especially as we were told there was stiff competition.

“My role is quite challenging. We do our best to support urology patients, offer an efficient and friendly service and help make life as easy as possible for both them and their families.”