The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has been recognised for its commitment to disability inclusion.

 SaTH has been certified as a Disability Confident Leader as part of a Government scheme to promote inclusive and accessible workplaces for disabled people.

Jo Williams, chief executive at SaTH, said: ‘Being recognised as a Disability Confident Leader is testament to the work we are doing to drive progressive, inclusive change and to support our staff at work.

‘Fundamental to our plans is recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, as well as strengthening an inclusive culture of diversity, innovation and continuous improvement to support us in delivering outstanding care for our patients.'

SaTH, which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, is the main provider of acute hospital care for almost 500,000 people from Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and mid Wales and employs 8,272 local people, 420 (5.1%) of which have declared a disability.

SaTH has been commended for building inclusivity and accessibility into its recruitment practices offering adjustments and support to staff and implementing a Health and Wellbeing Passport which helps staff to communicate their requirements with managers.

In addition, the trust has established strong partnerships with disability charities such as DFN Project Search to provide work experience opportunities for young people with disabilities.

SaTH is also a member of several disability organisations, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards Scheme, to ensure staff have the best opportunity to have the right support at work.