PATIENTS are being asked to nominate their NHS heroes for a special award.

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust - which runs the majority of community and mental health services across Worcestershire - is holding its staff awards ceremony later this year to celebrate the achievements of its employees.

One of the most important trophies up for grabs is the 'Patient Choice Award' - which recognises a member of staff who has 'gone the extra mile' to ensure patients receive top quality care.

The trust is now asking people who have used its services over the last 12 months, either directly or through supporting a friend or relative, to nominate a member of its team who is deserving of stand-out recognition.

Chief executive, Sarah Dugan, said: “Our dedicated staff work really hard to ensure that patients across the county receive the best possible treatment and care in the best possible environment.

"We are sure that there are many patients out there who feel that our staff deserve recognition for the excellent work that they do, and we would encourage them to let us know by nominating them for the Patient Choice Award.”

Nominations for the Patient Choice Award are open until Friday, September 2 and details of how you can nominate someone are available online at hacw.nhs.uk.

Alternatively, nomination forms are available at inpatient units and community hospitals across the county. Nominations can also be made in writing, with details of who you are nominating and why, to: The Communications Team, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Isaac Maddox House, Shrub Hill Road, Worcester, WR4 9RW.

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in October.

Worcestershire Health and Care Trust employs more than 4,000 staff who deliver community care and mental health services across the county. These services are delivered in patients’ homes, from local health centres and clinics and from inpatient units including community hospitals, Timberdine Community unit and wards for people who have acute mental health needs. Staff include district nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, community mental health nurses and children’s services.