Celebrating a health group’s first birthday was a slice of cake for hospital staff.

Healthwatch Bradford and District was set up to help the public get the best out of health and social care by giving it a stronger voice in decision-making.

It holds monthly outreach sessions at Airedale Hospital.

Patient experience lead for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Karen Dunwoodie said: “We’re extremely grateful to Healthwatch for holding sessions on our site. This helps patients and visitors to talk about their experiences of healthcare, whether they are in the hospital or elsewhere, with the comfort of knowing Healthwatch is an independent organisation.

“The anonymous feedback helps us gain a greater understanding of different patient experiences and we can use this to improve services wherever possible.”