MORE than 200 health trust workers were honoured at a ceremony rewarding those who achieve high standards in patient care.

Nine teams and individuals at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust were recognised at the annual Making a Difference Awards at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield.

Martin Barkley, trust chief executive, said: "Over the last year staff have worked hard to ensure that the people who need our services receive the best possible care and support and they thoroughly deserve this recognition."

Staff from the Binchester Ward at Auckland Park Hospital, Bishop Auckland, were among the winners because they work hard to meet the individual needs of patients with dementia.

Darlington’s Randomised Injectable Opiate Treatment Trial team also won for tackling stigma and promoting social inclusion. Their heroin prescribing trial has seen a reduction in illegal drug use, physical health problems and criminal behaviour.

Liaison psychiatry teams in north and south Durham were recognised for working in partnership with other agencies to raise standards in patient care and make progress on self harm and eating disorders.

Sedgefield Communty Home Treatment team won for making the best use of available resources.

Highly commended were: Management of Violence and Aggression Team, Durham, managing resources; David Urwin, from Durham, chairman’s unsung hero; Sarah Bewick, Consett, learning and growth award; Posture Care Team, Durham, service modernisation; Rhona Clode, Durham, working behind the scenes.