STAFF at the Royal Bolton Hospital say they have been given a boost after medical experts judged it was home to the best nurse and best doctor in the country.

Last month Fiona Murphy, who has helped improve and save countless lives by making improvements to a bereavement and organ donor service, was named Nurse of the Year by the Nursing Standard.

And last week Dr Ian Dufton, who supports young people with mental health problems, won a top doctor accolade from the British Medical Journal which said he was “a motivational and inspirational leader”.

Hospital chief executive Lesley Doherty said: “To win one such award is great, but for both a doctor and a nurse to win such prestigious awards is wonderful.

“We have truly dedicated staff at the Royal Bolton and these awards show just what they can achieve for patients and colleagues.”

Dr Dufton, consultant child psychiatrist and clinical lead at Bolton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, has headed a team through the re-development of the service.

The 43-year-old, who lives in Bolton, said: “These awards are the BAFTAs of the medical world and I was extremely surprised to win.

“It’s for the whole team and we are thrilled.

“Fiona deserves her award but I’m not sure I am a top doctor.

“The hospital is really chuffed to have two awards, we strive to be really good and it’s great to be recognised.”

He was up against his colleague at the Royal Bolton, Dr Brian Bradley, a consultant respiratory physician, meaning two of the three shortlisted candidates were from the trust.

Ms Murphy, aged 46, from Chorley, said: “I am thrilled Ian won. To have two big awards is great for Bolton, the hospital staff, patients and the public, it’s given us a real boost.”