HARD-working staff at two hospitals have received high praise from independent health watchdogs who were impressed by their level of commitment and quality of care.

Inspectors at the Healthcare Commission have commended staff at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust in a report that followed a routine inspection of James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

The trust has been through significant organisational change over the past two years, including a change of leadership and the move of all hospital services within Middlesbrough to the new James Cook University Hospital, which the inspectors described as clean, bright and spacious.

The Friarage Hospital was praised for successfully integrating NHS workers with military staff working at the attached Ministry of Defence hospital unit.

Inspectors also highlighted significant challenges that the trust needs to address, including the development of a longer-term financial recovery plan.

The authority has had problems meeting its waiting list targets. In September last year, more than 200 people were waiting more than 26 weeks for a first outpatient appointment and some patients were waiting up to 14 months for admission.

Chief executive of the trust Simon Pleydell said: "We welcome the report, which overall is a very positive one and is going to be of enormous help to us as we plan for the future.

"Most importantly, the report commends the commitment of our staff to providing good quality care for patients. It also constructively highlights the area we need to work on over the next few years."

Inspectors were particularly impressed with the trust's healing arts programme in which poets, musicians and singers entertain patients at the James Cook University Hospital throughout the year.

Mr Pleydell said: "We are very pleased the report mentions some of the extended roles carried out by our staff."

Marcia Fry, of the Healthcare Commission, said: "The commitment of staff at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust to ensuring they give good quality care to patients is to be applauded. However, we also found areas that need further work."