THE borough's hospital trust has made the shortlist to win a prestigious accolade later this year.

St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is in the running to win trust of the year at the HSJ Awards.

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The recognition comes after the trust has been rated "outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission.

It is also ranked top of the national league tables in the NHS Staff Survey and Patient Led Assessments.

The judging panel has shortlisted the trust despite the tough competition from hundreds of excellent applicants.

The trust is also up for the Reservist Support Initiative Award for its work supporting veterans’ careers following its service with the armed forces.

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Ann Marr said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in two categories at HSJ Awards 2019.

"To be shortlisted for Trust of the Year, recognises the efforts and commitment of our staff members over the last 12 months, and to be chosen among the other nominees is a wonderful achievement.

"This nomination has been a tremendous boost to staff and I would like to personally thank them and recognise their daily contribution to providing compassionate care to our patients.

"Our success is all down to them.”

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Employing more than 5,000 staff, the trust provides care to patients from across the North West and beyond

Whiston Hospital is home to the Mersey Regional Burns Unit and has the busiest A and E Department in Cheshire and Merseyside.

The trust also provides services at Newton Community Hospital, as well as primary, community and intermediate care services in St Helens.

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HSJ editor Alistair McLellan said “We would like to congratulate St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on being nominated in the category of Trust of the Year ahead of this year’s 2019 HSJ awards, as well as their nomination for the Reservist Initiative Award.

"We are looking forward to welcoming them to the ceremony in November, to join us in recognising the very best achievements and innovations in the healthcare sector.

"The entrants this year have been of incredible calibre, and each of the finalists in this category have been chosen based on their outstanding commitment to excellence in healthcare.”

Winners will be selected ahead of the 2019 HSJ awards ceremony, which is due to be held at the Battersea Evolution Centre in London on November 6.