A TEAM of ‘’outstanding’’ NHS staff at St Helens and Whiston hospitals has received a top award.

The Plastic Surgery Department won the Team of the Year category at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s first staff awards and was praised for its “tireless’’ work to provide outstanding clinical and therapeutic care.

The team received their award from Greatest Host Radio presenter Simon Ross and radio and TV star Jenny Powell.

The plastic surgery department is responsible for repairing difficult and complex wounds, particularly on the hand and face.

The team’s citation stated: “When life gets turned upside down through either illness or injury, this team of highly knowledgeable experts use their exceptional skills to rebuild and transform the lives of their patients.

“They work tirelessly to deliver innovative surgical solutions and provide outstanding clinical and therapeutic care and we are incredibly proud of them.’’

Mr Dilnath Gurusinghe, a Consultant Burn Surgeon, was also shortlisted in the Employee of the year category of the awards with judges describing him as “remarkable with patients and colleagues with his pioneering work in early burn grafting transforming the lives of patients, who cannot thank him enough for the life-enhancing difference he has made.’’

Two other amazing teams were also shortlisted for the Team of the Year award at the event which was held at the M & S Bank Arena.

The Trust-wide Rheumatology Department was praised for always looking to make day to day life easier and better for those living with long-term conditions.

In the past 12 months, the team has developed its service to treat increasing numbers of patients across a wider footprint with judges saying: “The compassion and commitment to those they care for is truly valued.’’

The Spinal Injuries Unit, based at Southport Hospital, was also shortlisted.

The specialised rehabilitation unit cares for patients from across the north west and the Isle of Man who have suffered major spinal injuries and is devoted to rebuilding lives in challenging circumstances.

Staff in the unit were praised for “always providing a positive environment and going the extra mile to form supportive professional relationships with patients with families praising them for the dignity and respect they showed to their loved ones.’’