STAFF at the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax are celebrating an award.

They have just become the first in the country to gain a top award for improving patient care.

Workers at the medical assessment unit submitted a project looking at wide- ranging issues, such as nutrition, infection control and discharging patients.

The unit, which cares for over 750 emergency cases a month, has been awarded stage one accreditation from health experts at Leeds University.

This marks the work the entire team has developed in all areas.

Assessors from the university's Development of Health Care Policy and Practice Department saw the work in progress before making the award.

Matron Bev Marsh said: "The medical assessment unit is a changing environment with an innovative and progressive team.

"They are constantly examining their practice and developing ways to change and improve their service to patients.

"It is wonderful that they have achieved this recognition for their work."

Proud staff got a plaque for their unit.

It took 18 months to put the bid together. Elements ranged from setting up a nurse-led discharge system, establishing a colour-coding system to make sure patients are dealt with in order, and making breakfast packs easier for elderly patients to handle.

Ms Marsh added: "There is a lot of patient involvement. Patients see things from a very different perspective to staff and their input is invaluable."