Exceptional medical staff received recognition on International Nurses Day.

Celebrations took place at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust to recognise the work and contribution nurses and midwives make to the National Health Service.

The trust held tea parties across Watford, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead hospitals on May 12 to thank and appreciate their medical staff.

Chief nurse at West Hertfordshire hospitals NHS trust Tracey Carter said: “We are incredibly proud of all our nurses and midwives and the work they do every day to make sure our patients receive the best care possible.”

A group of four nurses and midwives were also selected to attend a special service at Westminster Abbey on May 15 celebrating not only current nurses and midwives but those from the past.

Those selected were Paula King, Emma Pope, Julia Coles and Justine Chung.

She added: “International nurses day is our day to celebrate everything that’s great about being a nurse.

“We’re delighted that four of our exceptional nurses and midwives were selected to attend the special service at Westminster Abbey.”