STAFF working within York health services have been rewarded for their long service and dedication at a special awards ceremony

Hundreds of members of staff joined management from York Health Services NHS Trust, North Yorkshire Health Authority and the newly-formed Selby and York Primary Care Trust, for a special awards function at the city's racecourse.

In all 138 people received awards in recognition of their achievements, including qualifications and further education in the health field.

Long-service awards were presented to 56 members of staff from York Health Services NHS Trust, 11 from the Selby & York Primary Care Trust and three from North Yorkshire Health Authority.

Philippa Mooney, organisation development advisor for York Health Services NHS Trust, said: "The awards evening was a great success.

"It gave us the chance to show our appreciation to all the staff who contribute so much in time and effort in providing our local National Health Services."

Alan Maynard, chairman of York Health Services NHS Trust, opened the evening.

York MP Hugh Bayley gave the after-dinner address.

He said: "People take the NHS for granted and the pressures on staff are increasing all the time, but the only reason it provides a good service is because the staff are working and training hard.

"These awards are great achievements for each and every one"

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, November 03, 2001