BOROUGH hospital bosses have won national acclaim for their dedication to employing and supporting disabled workers.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is one of only 13 nationally to be awarded Disability Confident Leader status by the government - recognising its commitment to employing and training people regardless of any possible disability.

Shabir Abdul, head of equality, diversion and inclusion at the Trust, said: "We are proud to be awarded Disability Confident Leader status. This compliments the work we do and helps us to be recognised for leading support for disabled people.

"We will continue to strive to push the boundaries of being a disability confident employer and having access to the best staff to deliver patient care."

Siobhan Preston, chairman of the Trust's disability staff network, added: "The Trust's new status as a Disability Confident Leader is a huge achievement and testament to our hard work over the last year to help support our staff through every stage of their employment with us, from recruitment onwards, meaning they get any support they might need to look after our patients to the excellent standard we all strive for."