TWO hospital departments have been hailed as health heroes by a Bolton MP.

Both the stroke unit and A&E were nominated by Sir David Crausby, who dropped by to congratulate staff.

The two units were each nominated for an NHS70 Parliamentary Award celebrating the heroes of the National Health Service as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Neither Royal Bolton Hospital unit made the shortlist but Sir David, MP for Bolton North East, visited them to present certificates and personally congratulate them.

Sir David, addressing the A&E team, said: “I want to say congratulations for this award. The NHS is under so much stress these days and you guys in A&E are right at the coalface. On behalf of the public, I just want to say how grateful we are for the fantastic work that you do.”

The A&E minors team was nominated for strengthening and expanding an emergency nurse practitioner service, which sees staff trained in advanced clinical skills work alongside doctors to improve minor injury services.

Nurse consultant Barbara Whittaker said: “I think this certificate is recognition of the commitment of the minors team.

"It is recognition of how they have adapted over the years to meet the needs of patients.”

The stoke unit at was put forward for an award for person-centred care.

Matron on the stroke unit, Anthony Makepeace said: “For me, this represents all of the hard work the team has put in and celebrates the success of our multi-disciplinary integrated team.

“This team means we are delivering care that is joined-up and this means we can discharge patients quicker and better prepare them for home.”

Sir David said: “Stroke is close to my heart as my mother had a stroke.

“I know the difference really good care, as opposed to not so good care, made to her and my life.

“I want to say congratulations. Person-centred care is vital to looking after people – particularly in the latter part of their life.”

Hospital chief executive Jackie Bene said: “This is an opportunity to celebrate these fabulous people who do a fantastic job. To see them recognised makes my job very enjoyable.”

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust will be celebrating seven decades of the NHS this summer with a public event at the hospital.

At the Summer Celebration, open to the whole community, there will be stalls, health activities, music and entertainment.

The day is to be a fun family event and a number of departments will be welcoming visitors.

The trust is also running a children’s art competition with the theme ‘celebrating 70 years of the NHS’. Visit boltonft.nhs.uk online for more information.