DEDICATED staff and volunteers at Dorset County Hospital have been recognised for their contributions.

The 2011 Trust Awards saw hard working individuals celebrated and unsung heroes get their moment in the limelight.

Awards were also presented in recognition of those who had served 15 and 30 years at the hospital.

Staff, patients and relatives had been nominating people who went the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of patients, visitors and colleagues.

Winners of the outstanding contribution awards included heart failure nurse specialist Tracey Dare, who claimed the individual award, and the portering team that claimed the team accolade.

Sue and Tony Wells from the Heartwey Cardiac Group were the volunteer winners and the housekeeping team won the executive team award.

Friend of Dorset County Hospital David Crosthwaite claimed the special chairman’s award in honour of his 63-year connection with the Trust.

The winners received their awards at a presentation ceremony held in Dorset County Hospital’s Damers Restaurant from Trust Chairman Dr Jeffrey Ellwood and Chief Executive Jean O’Callaghan.

Dr Ellwood said: “I was extremely honoured to present the long service awards to staff who have given a real and personal commitment to the hospital for such a long period of time.

“Their efforts are appreciated by the Board and everyone who uses this hospital.”

Mrs O’Callaghan added: “The awards presented an opportunity for the organisation to say thank you to our staff and volunteers who have made a huge contribution to the hospital.

“It was good to see nominations from all parts of the hospital, making it very competitive. We will be extending the number of awards next year.”