ST HELENS and Knowsley Hospitals were one of only two Trusts in the North West to win a new national award for 'Improving Working Lives.'

This was presented by Nigel Crisp the new NHS chief executive.

Ken Sanderson, chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust said: "This is great news. Staff are the cornerstone of this Government's plans for the new NHS.

"Our staff are enthusiasts for patient care. It is right the NHS Trust supports its staff."

To achieve the award the following criteria must be met:

1. Pledge: All Trusts must achieve this by April, 2001. We were one of 16 Trusts nationally who achieved early accreditation in January 2001.

2. Practice: All NHS employers are expected to be accredited as putting the IWL standard into practice by April 2003.

3. Practice Plus: Accreditation will be awarded when the regional IWL accreditation team is satisfied that the standard is being met in full for all staff.