Hartlepool General Hospital's physiotherapy department has become one of the first in the country to gain a national charter mark award.

The award, which recognises excellence in public service, is the first charter mark won by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust

To gain the award, the department was assessed against nine criteria, including patient satisfaction, staff helpfulness and courtesy.

Patients referred to the Hartlepool service are offered transport if they need it, an appointment time that is convenient to them, and at a place near to their home.

The waiting list for the service had been reduced from six months three years ago to six weeks in the past 18 months.

All urgent referrals are seen within two days.

A newsletter is provided for patients, and feedback from people using the service has resulted in specialist clinics been set up.

Other improvements included making the waiting area more comfortable and accessible to disabled people and families.

Carol Robinson, from the department, said: "We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to have received the award. It has been a team effort and recognises the excellent service we provide for our patients.

"We are always looking at ways to improve our service, and value the views of our patients in helping us to continually develop our service.