Nearly 300 nominations have already been received for the 2019 NHS Forth Valley Staff Awards. And with just a week to go, organisers are hoping for a final flurry to recognise people who have gone the extra mile to deliver great care or service over the last year.

With the closing date of Monday 2^nd September 2019 fast approaching, entries are encouraged for NHS and Serco staff working in hospitals, health centres and local communities across Forth Valley.

There are six award categories to choose from and this year organisers are keen to receive more nominations for staff working in support service areas as well as clinical services to highlight the important contribution which all staff make in delivering high quality, safe care. This includes catering staff, porters, receptionists, administration staff, housekeepers, estates and domestic staff. Nominations can be made for NHS staff and volunteers working in local hospitals, resource centres and health centres as well as community nurses, health visitors and therapists who deliver care in local communities and homes across Forth Valley. Serco staff who deliver a wide range of support services at Forth Valley Royal Hospital such as catering, security, cleaning and portering, can also be nominated for an award.

The award categories are:

• Top Team Award
• Unsung Hero Award
• Outstanding Care Award
• Inspiration Award
• Innovation Award

  Volunteers AwardNHS Forth Valley Chief Executive, Cathie Cowan, said: “These awards let our staff know they are valued and appreciated by local patients, their families and colleagues. They have told us that being nominated for an award means a lot to them, so if you know of someone who you think deserves an accolade, please let us know.”Last year’s winners included Linda Boyle, a Community Staff Nurse at Bonnybridge Health Centre, who won the Outstanding Care Award who was praised by local families for going above and beyond for her patients and for her compassionate, friendly and caring approach to her job. Ward A11 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital won the Top Team Award for the outstanding care they deliver to older people. Nominations can be submitted online at www.nhsforthvalley.com/staffawards  Nomination forms are also available in the main public reception and waiting areas of hospitals across Forth Valley. These can be returned in the freepost envelopes provided or handed to a member of staff.