AIREDALE Hospital has achieved bronze in a national scheme to promote training and development.

The accreditation was awarded by Investors in People, following an assessment of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

Bridget Fletcher, chief executive of the trust, said: "We exceeded the required criteria to meet the basic standard and have therefore been accredited at bronze standard which is excellent news and demonstrates our on-going commitment to developing and valuing our people."

She said the feedback passed onto the hospital as part of the assessment praised Airedale for its dedication to providing a quality service for patients.

The feedback also noted that the trust's staff remain motivated, despite recent changes within the NHS.

Miss Fletcher said: "The final assessment report and a plaque for the trust will be available within a couple of months.

"As a learning organisation we look forward to receiving the feedback and opportunities to improve so we can recognise good practice and concentrate our leadership and management development activities on areas where we need to focus.

"The assessors will return again for a review in 18 months’ time."