PATIENTS are being asked to nominate the region’s best healthcare professionals in the annual Staff Excellence Awards.

The competition, now in its sixth year, is run by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and aims to commemorate those who go above and beyond the call of duty in healthcare.

The organisation wants the public to nominate Swindon and Wiltshire’s finest in the People’s Choice category.

Any member of trust staff can be nominated, whether they work at Great Western Hospital or associated centres across the area.

Oonagh Fitzgerald, director of workforce and education with the trust, said the awards were an opportunity for unsung heroes of the trust to get some well-deserved recognition.

“Every year we look forward to launching our Staff Excellence Awards as it’s the perfect way to give our amazing staff the recognition they truly deserve,” she said.

“Often the day to day actions of our staff go unnoticed, so it’s important for us to put time aside and to say well done.

“I always look forward to the People’s Choice award.

“It’s particularly special as it’s a chance for patients and service users, their relatives and friends to acknowledge staff who have made a real difference in their lives.”

Last year’s People’s Choice Award was won by Fiona Robinson, a physiotherapist at Malmesbury Primary Care Centre.

She was nominated for helping a young boy with severe leg pain to walk again.

“All of this came as a complete shock to me,” said Fiona.

“Winning the award was such a nice gesture and I really appreciated it. Even to be nominated was a massive honour in itself.”

Judges will select a shortlist from all of the nominations.

Winners will then be announced at a glittering awards ceremony taking place at the Steam Museum, in June.

To make a nomination, log on to www.gwh.nhs.uk, email comms@gwh.nhs.uk, or call 01793 605410.