Two initiatives launched by the Royal Bolton Hospital have made it into the finals of a national awards competition.

The two initiatives have reached the finals of this years Health Service Journal Patient Safety Awards, recognising their outstanding contribution to health care.

One initiative has been nominated in the category of "Best Partnership Solution Improving Patient Safety", and was a collaboration between the hospital and partners to support the most vulnerable members of Bolton's community.

The project sees nurses from an outreach nursing team work with colleagues at St John's Ambulance, Bolton Council and more to support the homeless in Bolton with the fortnightly "treat on the street" project.

The trust also made it to the final of the "Urgent and Trauma Care Safety Initiative" award for the radiographer led discharges of patients from A&E.

This project led to patients being discharged with minor injuries from x-ray without having to return to A&E reducing their overall hospital time.

Fiona Noden, Chief Executive at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for not one but two HSJ Patient Safety Awards, recognising the collaborative efforts and dedication of our staff members over the last 12 months.

"We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for our patients, and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement.

"This nomination has been a tremendous boost to staff at the Trust during these unprecedented times, and I am sure it will bolster our continued efforts to improve our services."

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Delivery, Cllr Adele Warren, said: "This is well deserved recognition of the hard work our teams put in to help some of the most vulnerable in the community

"Officers from the council work closely with nurses and partner organisations through the Bolton Homeless Alliance partnership to reach out to rough sleepers and those at risk of becoming homeless.

"Together they provide an invaluable service to help people on the streets and tackle the issue of rough sleeping."