Gobowen's Orthopaedic Hospital is now officially recognised as a 'Centre of Clinical Excellence' by national charity Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) at a special award ceremony on Wednesday.

Rob Burley, director of campaigns, care and support at MDUK, presented the award to Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Professor Tracey Willis, who also co-chairs the charity’s West Midlands Neuromuscular Clinical Network.

Professor Willis admitted she and her staff were delighted their hard work was recognised.

She said: “I’m thrilled we’ve been awarded as a Centre of Clinical Excellence and it’s really a reflection on the hard work and dedication of the whole team.

“We work with patients whose conditions are chronic and lifelong, and the team do everything they can to help those patients enjoy life, rather than being held back by their condition.

“This recognition also allows our patients to know that we are always trying to improve the service we provide them and we’re actively involved with research and trials to make advances in treatments.”

Owen Paterson, North Shropshire MP, added: “It’s great news to hear about this achievement of the neuromuscular team at RJAH.

"Their partnership working with neuromuscular clinical networks and palliative care services, as well as the clinical psychology provision offered, is reflective of the high-quality care provided to their patients.”

Mr Burley added: “We would like to congratulate RJAH, which has deservedly been awarded Centre of Clinical Excellence status.”

The hospital was awarded for supporting families in the West Midlands as the team worked closely with MDUK to hold a family fun day at the West Midlands Safari Park in August.

Also, they improved psychological support for people with a muscle-wasting condition, with Professor Willis and Dr Yvette Easthope-Mowatt (clinical psychologist) members of MDUK’s Mental Health Matters steering group, which is driving forward this work.

They were also adjudged to having improved palliative care support.