I'm calling for nominees to enter official NHS Parliamentary awards in recognition of staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The NHS Parliamentary Awards, sponsored by Fujifilm UK, offer a chance to celebrate NHS staff, carers and volunteers for all the hard work they do to look after loved ones when they are at their most vulnerable.
Coronavirus has been a global health emergency on a scale not seen for a century. The NHS, which first opened its doors at Trafford Park Hospital on July 5 1948, responded swiftly and flexibly to deal with the pandemic but staff – present, past and future – have had to come together as never before, supported by volunteers and the public.
So many staff have worked incredibly hard in their unwavering efforts to put patients first and this is something that the awards aim to reward.
I am looking for outstanding nominees for 2020 who have innovated, impressed and made a real difference to how the health and care system provides care for patients.
As a former NHS worker, I know that there is little doubt that the NHS is the nation’s most loved institution, and that its staff make it what it is today.
When I hear from our local health services, I am incredibly proud of the examples of fantastic care that have made a genuine difference and touched the lives of local people in Carshalton and Wallington.
There are ten categories, including a Lifetime Achievement and Rising Star award to honour those who have devoted their life or career to making the NHS better or are just at the start of their journey of supporting our NHS but have already made significant contributions.
For more information on how to nominate and the criteria for each category, visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/nhs-parliamentary-awards/about