THEY are the people who are dedicated to providing top quality health care to the people of south west Hertfordshire.

But often the hard work of staff at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust goes unnoticed.

Not so last Thursday, when more than 100 staff turned out for the trust's annual staff excellence awards, at Watford General Hospital.

Among those recognised was Watford General's Elstree Ward, which was named the Team of the Year for providing "excellent service".

The group was nominated by several satisfied patients, who described the service provided by staff as "the best".

Patient Tom Godfrey said staff were friendly and warm.

He said: "There has been lots of good, humorous banter between staff and patients, which is very helpful towards recovery.

"Staff kindly did their work in an order which allowed us old men to watch the Cup Final in peace".

For a full list of winners see tomorrow's printed version of the Watford Observer.