A Staffordshire hospital unit has received a national award after being nominated by the family of two children with complex medical needs.

The team at the Children's High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Staffordshire Children's Hospital at Royal Stoke was presented with a 'Big Heart Award' by Fostering Together, a national organisation supporting foster carers of children with disabilities and complex medical needs.

The medical and nursing team from Children's HDU and staff from UHNM's Respiratory team were nominated after supporting a family and their two foster children over the past eight years.

The family described staff as being "always available for expert advice and support, offering clear explanations, calm reassurance and rapid responses whenever we need them".

In their nomination, they wrote: "As a family who fosters medically complex children, we depend on this team for expert care and support.

"Beyond technical excellence, the team's warmth and humanity are defining features of our experience. During extended stays, they make the ward feel as relaxed as possible.

"Staff use humour and kindness to lift spirits, and small gestures from stopping to say hello to every child to sharing amusing pictures of pets create moments of joy that help us through difficult times."

HDU cares for babies, children and young people who need closer monitoring and specialist treatment than can be provided on a general children's ward.

Harriet Mackintosh, HDU ward manager, said: "Receiving this award means so much because it has come directly from a family we've had the privilege of caring for over many years.

"Building those relationships based on trust is such an important part of what we do, so to know they felt supported enough to nominate us is incredibly special.

"This recognition belongs to every member of the team. It reflects years of working together to provide expert care while also making children and their families feel safe, supported and cared for.

"We're proud of the clinical care we provide, but we're equally proud that the family recognised the small acts of kindness that can make such a difference during difficult times."

Teresa Wilson, matron for children's and professional nurse advocate at UHNM, said: "Being nominated by a family is probably the greatest compliment we could receive because it tells us we've genuinely made a difference to their lives.

"I'm incredibly proud of every member of the team, they provide outstanding care every single day, but they also build relationships with families that help them feel confident, supported and able to cope through some incredibly challenging circumstances.

"This award is thoroughly deserved and recognises the compassion, professionalism and dedication they show every day."

The award was presented by Neil Leitch, managing director of Fostering Together on National Children's Nurses Day.