Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has won a national award its commitment to staff retention and welfare.

The hospital has received an Our Health Heroes award in the staff retention and wellbeing employer of the year category.

Each year, Our Health Heroes awards are given to “unsung healthcare heroes” across the country for going above and beyond in their roles.

This year, the competition was organised by the nonprofit Skills For Health, as well as the National Skills Academy for Health and Health Education England.

John Rogers, chief executive at Skills for Health, said: “It’s great to see that employers like Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are regularly going the extra mile to support the team in the long term.

“The judges had a difficult decision to make but I’m really pleased Kingston Hospital has been chosen as this year’s winner; the award is a testament to the continued dedication to their team.

“I’m very much looking forward to meeting the team and our other award finalists in November and celebrating all of our winners.”

Kirk Lower, from Health Education England, said: “As the main sponsor for Our Health Heroes 2018, we congratulate everyone who is on the shortlist.

“It is clear from the high standard of nominations that both apprentices and support workers continue to play a vital role in delivering safe and compassionate care for all.”

Ruth May, Executive Director of Nursing at NHS Improvement, said: “The NHS is powered by people and our workforce inspires us every day with their expertise, compassion and strength, often in challenging circumstances.

“It is our privilege to support NHS staff in their wellbeing, as part of our workforce and retention priorities, as we know that getting it right for our staff means we can get it right for patients.

“The nominations this year are a fantastic reflection of how NHS trusts are finding innovative ways to prioritise the wellbeing of their staff and support increased retention, with the finalists really going above and beyond to make a positive difference.”