STAFF at the Royal Bolton Hospital are a beacon of NHS excellence according to the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Conservative Party.

The Bolton West Tory hopeful, James Stevens, praised the staff after a visit to the hospital and meeting with Chief Executive John Brunt and Director of Operations, Beverley Andrew.

Mr Stevens said: "The hospital is bright and welcoming and the thought that has gone into improving patient facilities will undoubtedly contribute to an improvement in both patient and staff morale.

"I was particularly impressed by the Trust's pioneering work in establishing charitable funding sources for the many works of art that brighten up the lives of patients, staff and visitors alike."