SALISBURY HOSPITAL celebrated local heroes at its Striving for Excellence awards last week.

The awards were hosted by the Salisbury Journal's Publisher and editor-in-chief Bill Browne, and Spire FM's Martin Starke, on Thursday June 13.

There were eight award categories in all, with over 100 individuals nominated by staff of the hospital.

The awards recognised staff from across the hospital, both clinical and non-clinical, who work hard to ensure the smooth running of the hospital 24 hours a day.

One winner on the night, for the "Patient Centred and Safe" award, was the hospital’s housekeeping team who were recognised for performing more than 200 extra cleaning duties, allowing the hospital to remain open and treat all its patients during last year’s major incident.

In the words of their nominator, this team “put their fears to one side, trusted the experts and undertook the job they are proud to do - and did this to contribute to the recovery and care for patients”.

Cara Charles-Barks, chief executive at Salisbury District Hospital said: “Congratulations to all the winners and to all those who were nominated at last week’s ceremony.

"It was lovely to hear all the lovely stories of the amazing work our staff are doing to provide an outstanding experience for our patients. I want to thank our staff for all their efforts.

“I also want to thank the Salisbury Hospital League of Friends for fully funding our awards this year and their loyalty and commitment to us over so many years. The ceremony would not be possible without them.”

David Stratton, chairman of the League of Friends commented: “The League of Friends are proud to be able to support an event which celebrates the achievements of the hospital’s amazing staff.

"The League of Friends fund around a dozen projects every year that make a difference to patients and visitors to the hospital. This is only possible thanks to the generous donations to our charity from the community.”

If you would like to find out more about the League of Friends, or how to support them, visit leagueoffriends.salisbury.nhs.uk.