'HEALTHCARE heroes' have been honoured in the third annual Pride of Airedale awards.

Accolades were handed out across 13 categories to recognise the efforts and achievements of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust staff.

Bridget Fletcher, the trust's chief executive, said: "The awards event is the most enjoyable day of my year.

"The trust is nothing without our staff and it is vital to me that we celebrate what they do to make Airedale better for patients, carers and visitors.

"The people and teams we hear about in these awards show how passionate and enthusiastic we all are about the patients we serve. I am so proud of everyone."

Nearly 200 nominations were received in total, for categories including team of the year, unsung hero and colleague of the year.

The team title went to adult speech and language therapy.

Team leader, Angela Penny, said: "There were 32 amazing teams up for this award and there was no way we expected to win!

"It’s a brilliant tribute to all our team members – who work extremely hard and look out for each other – and to our service manager Mary Dickinson, who is a huge support to us all."

Winner of the unsung hero award was assistant librarian, Martyn Greenwood.

"It was a surprise even to be nominated," he said.

"I was stunned when my name was called out – I can’t believe they chose me from such a long list of nominees."

The colleague of the year prize went to Abigail Pawlowski, from the human resources team.

She said: "It is humbling to receive an award like this because I work with a lot of people who equally could have won it.

"I feel immensely proud of my department and how well we work together – and I feel that this award recognises that."

The annual Pride of Airedale award, judged from monthly winners, went to Maureen Greenwood.

Last year she spent time at Airedale Hospital setting up an intermediate care ward.

"It’s not often I’m speechless but I am absolutely overwhelmed to win this award," she said.

"I come to work to try my hardest for our patients and deliver the best I can. I couldn’t do this without my fabulous staff – I adore working with them."

Around 350 people attended the awards ceremony, at the Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton.

Other winners were: Improving Quality for Right Care & Outstanding Patient Care/Experience, the frail elderly pathway team; Ward of the Year, ward 4; Outstanding Support (Corporate Services), Philip Driscoll; Innovation & Technology Award, Dr Joel Copperthwaite; Improving Staff Experience, the disability awareness group; Volunteer of the Year, Mike Yates & Eileen Proud; Out of Hospital Care Award, complex care team; Leader of the Year, Deborah Walker, radiology.