A HEALTH trust’s annual Shining Stars awards celebrated NHS workers for their outstanding work during the Covid pandemic.

The online ceremony recognised staff at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS who have adapted to big changes to continue to provide high quality care to patients in the most trying of circumstances.

The online ceremony was organised by the employee engagement team and hosted by non-executive director Steve Hall.

Though the event had to be rearranged from its regular location of Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield due to Covid restrictions, many staff were still able to take time out of their mornings to join the virtual meeting.

Trust chief executive Julie Gillon said: “These awards celebrate the outstanding work going on across the organisation and the efforts to make this organisation one dedicated to quality and patient experience with excellence as our standard.

“Of course, this year is very different.

"We cannot underestimate the work staff have put in for our patients – this year more than ever we were determined that the event would go ahead.

“Colleagues should continue to be celebrated – we have to congratulate everyone in the organisation. We’ve had record numbers of nominations – 200 in total across ten categories.

“Congratulations to everyone for their outstanding contribution to the organisation over the last year.”