HEALTH service staff were honoured for their work and dedication during a ceremony marking 70 years of the NHS.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust received hundreds of nominations for the annual awards, recognising the achievements of those who go above and beyond in carrying out their duties.

Entries came from grateful patients and families as well as staff members wishing to highlight the efforts of their colleagues.

Categories included employee of the year, volunteer of the year and patient choice.

The annual event shone a spotlight on some of the best of Wirral's NHS.

Staff members who had 25 and 40 years of dedicated service to the NHS were also recognised with a special long-service award.

Hosted by Radio City's Pete Price and featuring entertainment from Liverpool-born Eurovision star, Sonia, the event included a couple of special video messages looking back at the NHS over the last seven decades.

There was also a message of NHS thanks from the Duke of Cambridge.

The trust's chief executive, Janelle Holmes, said: "We have an extremely dedicated workforce and there seems no better time than the 70th anniversary of the NHS to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work of all our staff.

"The standard of entries was extremely high this year and we were overwhelmed by the stories of compassion, commitment and innovation.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who works in the organisation, particularly our deserving award winners who are great examples of what makes our health service so very special."

The award winners were, as follows:

  • Employee of the year: Dr Catherine Hayle, palliative care consultant
  • Team of the year: Department of anaesthesia
  • Volunteer of the year: John Lowry, chaplaincy volunteer
  • Excellence in patient care: Katie Whittle, critical care
  • Patient choice: Joshua Williams, Ward 20, Urology
  • Excellence in improvement and innovation: Leanne Monaghan and Nicky Drinkwater, emergency department
  • Outstanding support services: Schwartz Round Team

Special Recognition Awards

  • Division of surgery: Colorectal enhance recovery team
  • Women and Children's: Maternity and neonatal
  • Diagnostics and clinical support: Dr Joyce Maggenis, consultant radiologist
  • Medical and Acute: Ward 38