HARD working staff at two hospitals have been praised from independent health watchdogs who were impressed by their commitment and quality of care.

Inspectors at the new Healthcare Commission have commended staff working at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust in a report that followed a routine inspection of the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

The trust has been through significant organisational change over the past two years, including a change of leadership and the move of all hospital services within Middlesbrough to the new James Cook hospital, which the inspectors described as clean, bright and spacious.

The Friarage was praised for successfully integrating NHS workers with military staff working at the attached Ministry of Defence hospital unit.

However inspectors also highlighted some significant challenges that the trust needed to address, including the development of a longer-term financial recovery plan.

The authority has had trouble meeting waiting list targets. In September last year, more than 200 people were waiting more than 26 weeks for a first outpatient appointment and some patients were waiting up to 14 months for admission.

Chief executive of the trust, Simon Pleydell, said: "We welcome the report, which, overall, is a very positive one and is going to be of enormous help to us as we plan for the future. It also constructively highlights the area we need to work on over the next few years."

Marcia Fry, the commission's head of operational development, said: "The commitment of staff at the trust to ensuring they give good quality care to patients is to be applauded. However, we also found areas that need further work."