A health and social care watchdog in Bradford has received national recognition for the work it has done in its first year.

Healthwatch Bradford and District released its annual report at its first annual meeting today at Carlisle Business Centre in Manningham.

Julie Turner, of Healthwatch England, revealed Healthwatch Bradford's work in uncovering serious concerns about Bradford Royal Infirmary was used in a slideshow she presented across the UK.

She said: "Healthwatch Bradford has done positive work. It is up there in national slides for presentations. Well done."

The concerns Healthwatch uncovered at BRI centred around overcrowding,staffing and lack of privacy in the accident and emergency department, which resulted in the Care Quality Commission amending an inspection it was due to carry out.

Healthwatch Bradford and District is an independent health and social care watchdog which listens to people’s experiences and views of local health and social care services, and uses this information to drive improvements to local services.

Highlights of the group's work in its first year include include gathering views on GP services across the Bradford district, influencing improvements in A&E at BRI and hospital care for people with dementia.

Its chairman Javed Khan said: "Looking back on the work we have done, it shows how we have helped people in Bradford district have a stronger voice. We’ve heard about the health or social care services that matter to them, and are working towards the goal of equal access, treatment, and outcomes for all our diverse communities."

The annual report can be viewed at healthwatchbradford.co.uk.