FORMER and existing patients are being invited to nominate extraordinary doctors, nurses and health workers for the Great Western Hospital’s People’s Choice Awards.

As part of the annual Staff Excellence Awards, patients are being asked to put forward anyone from a dentist or receptionist to a therapist for the honour.

The accolade recognises the outstanding achievements, hard work and dedication shown by staff, both at GWH in Swindon and in community hospitals and services across Wiltshire.

Oonagh Fitzgerald, director of workforce and education at GWH NHS Foundation Trust, said: “In a busy NHS trust we don’t always get the chance to step back and reflect on the difference our staff make to people’s lives.

“This is why I think the People’s Choice Award is particularly special; it is a chance for patients and service users, their relatives or their friends to acknowledge those teams or individual members of staff who have gone the extra mile for them, and a chance for our trust to formally recognise them.”

Judges will select a shortlist and all hopefuls will be invited to an awards ceremony at the STEAM Museum in June when the winners will be announced.

To nominate someone, visit www.gwh.nhs.uk to download a form, email comms@gwh.nhs.uk or call 01793 604431.

The deadline is 5pm on March 7.