STERLING work has earned coveted accolades for members of the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust finance team.

Recognition was received at the National Healthcare Financial Management Association Yorkshire and Humber annual conference.

The trust's assistant director of finance, Izaaz Mohammed, took the Finance Professional of the Year title.

And the team won the Finance Team of the Year honour.

Izaaz was chosen ahead of six other industry professionals for the "significant" contributions he had made to the team – including helping it to achieve so-called Future-Focused Finance accreditation at Level 2, and leading on a plan to work towards Level 3.

Plus, he has proactively raised the profile of the trust through sharing best practice at regional and national events.

He was nominated for the award by colleagues, who said: "The pride that Izaaz takes in his work is visible every day; this has earned him an excellent reputation across the trust.

"Everyone needs an Izaaz – he is one in a million!"

Izaaz said he was delighted to receive the accolade.

He added: "I have the privilege of working with some amazing people at Airedale – and to be nominated for this award was a real honour.

"We have achieved so much over the last few years as a team – and winning these awards is a fantastic way to recognise all the progress that we've made in ensuring the trust delivers high-quality, cost-effective healthcare to our patients."

The finance team's award was in recognition of the "dedication, efficiency and quality of work" demonstrated over the past year and the support it had provided to neighbouring trusts.

The team has delivered presentations to organisations including Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust and the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership and has staged workshops to help others achieve the Level 2 accreditation.

Amy Whitaker, director of finance at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I’m incredibly proud of our team for winning the Finance Team of the Year award and Izaaz for achieving the Finance Professional of the Year title.

"It’s a great achievement for both the team and Izaaz to be recognised across the Yorkshire and Humber region for all their hard work and commitment over the past year."

The Healthcare Financial Management Association is the professional body for finance staff working in the sector.

For more about its work and the awards, including a list of winners, visit hfma.org.uk.