Patients and members of the public across Forth Valley are being invited to nominate their local health hero for a NHS Forth Valley Staff Award.

The 2019 awards aim to recognise the outstanding work, care and commitment of local NHS and Serco staff and highlight individuals, teams and volunteers who have gone the extra mile to deliver great care or service over the last year.

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 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. The award categories are:

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

NHS Forth Valley Chief Executive, Cathie Cowan, said: “This is a great opportunity for patients and members of the public to say thank you and show their appreciation to the many wonderful NHS staff and volunteers who go the extra mile every day to deliver excellent care and treatment.

“Our staff have told us that being recognised for their work 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 of the Top Team Award, Ward A11 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, received an email from the First Minister for delivering excellent patient-centred care after they had taken a patient by wheelchair across the hospital every day to see his dying wife. There was also recognition for local Mental Health Nursing Assistant, Dougie Smith who works at Hope House in Bellsdyke Hospital. He received an Unsung Hero Award for remaining calm and collected in what can be a busy and stressful environment.

NHS Forth Valley’s Head of Organisational Development, Margaret Kerr, added: Previous responses from patients, staff and the general public have been absolutely fantastic. Staff really appreciate the fact that someone has taken the time to nominate them so if you have received exceptional care in hospital, at an outpatient clinic or at home then we would like to hear from you.”

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.

The closing date for nominations is Monday 2^nd September 2019.