INVERCLYDE Royal has won an award for helping staff grieving the loss of a loved one.

The hospital has attained a charter mark from the UK Commission on Bereavement for the work being done to support staff who have lost someone close to them.

Bosses say the recognition comes after months of hard work from committed staff at the IRH, who started working towards the charter in January of this year.

They believe it shows the close knit atmosphere which exists within the facility.

Jeanette Peel, healthcare chaplain at IRH, said: “We’re delighted that the team’s hard work has been recognised in this way.

“This is obviously a recognition of our commitment to supporting staff, but for us it’s also a wider acknowledgement of the culture of kindness everyone at the IRH has created.”

To gain the new bereavement charter mark, employers must agree to take steps towards creating a supportive environment for people who are grieving.

The award recognises the steps taken to make the hospital a caring place to work and promotion of staff wellbeing.

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Jeanette added: “There is such a great community feeling at the IRH, everyone wants to help each other when they can and I think that’s one of the benefits of being a smaller site.

"All of the staff know each other here, so it’s great that we have been recognised for the support we offer."

As well as receiving the new charter, the hospital has also been recognised by local group Compassionate Inverclyde with a kindness award.

Louise Watson, site lead at Inverclyde Royal, said: “We are thrilled for the entire team who have worked so hard to achieve the new Bereavement Charter Mark.

“The IRH is such a great place to work and we want all of our staff to feel supported each day.

"We have such a unique community spirit amongst staff and this recognition further underlines the commitment providing the best support we can.”