THE South Hams Hospital League of Friends has won a gold award for exceptional service to the Healthcare Trust.

The award was won in the team category at the Blue Shield Awards ceremony at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.

The awards aim to recognise individuals or groups whose energy, commitment and dedication ensures that high quality and effective services are delivered to patients, services user and staff.

The hospital operates under the Torbay Care Trust and, although there are many changes in the health service, the league have been re-assured that Kingsbridge Hospital is here to stay.

The League of Friends has raised two million pounds to benefit the hospital and its patients since its foundation in 1973.

Over the years the money donated by the people of the South Hams has enabled the league to provide equipment and update facilities and has helped to maintain the high standards required to allow the hospital to continue to operate.

The league thanked the people of the South Hams who support Kingsbridge Hospital.

None of it would be possible without their outstanding support and generosity, they say.

As well as in-patient facilities the hospital has a minor injuries unit, which operates from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

There are 47 clinics run from the hospital, which is one of only three community hospitals in Devon and Cornwall selected to deliver chemotherapy treatment.

All these facilities save patients and their relatives long trips to Derriford.

Cllr Rufus Gilbert of Kingsbridge Town Council, who is also chairman of South Hams Council, said: 'We all know what a fantastic job the SHHLF do. They tirelessly work to improve our hospital and thereby our community and lives. So, thank you so much for all you have done over so many years. I know we are all eternally grateful.'

Devon County Councillor Julian Brazil, who represents the Kingsbridge and Stokenham ward, said: 'The League of Friends has done a fantastic job. I salute their hard work and dedication.'

Kingsbridge mayor Cllr John Binns added: 'It's fantastic news for them and great for the whole area.

They put a great amount of effort into fundraising.

'It's fantastic for the hospital and the town.'

The awards are given by the Torbay Care Trust and South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. At the ceremony, the Torbay Care Trust showed their appreciation and gave their sincere thanks for all the help given by the League of Friends.

Nominations are made anonymously by both members of the public and by staff.

A panel made up of experts and independent members make the final decisions.

There were 22 winners across nine categories: individual, team, partnership, sustainability, volunteer, equality and diversity and the Em Jefferies lifetime achievement award, the League of Friends lifetime achievement award and the chief executives award.

Anthony Farnsworth, chief executive at Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust, said: 'I would like to congratulate everyone who received an award at this year's ceremony, as well as all those who were nominated.

'It really is a privilege to work with people who are so dedicated, enthusiastic and committed to providing high quality health and social care to the people of Torbay and Southern Devon.'

Paula Vasco Knight, chief executive for South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: 'Everybody that was nominated and shortlisted deserves a huge pat on the back for their hard work and commitment to offering high quality health services.

'All of the award winners deserve recognition for their exceptional dedication to the health service.'