Patients and members of the public across Forth Valley are being invited to nominate their local healthcare heroes for an NHS Forth Valley Staff Award.

The 2023 awards aim to recognise the outstanding work, care and commitment of local NHS and Serco staff and highlight the work of individuals, teams, wards and departments which have gone the extra mile to deliver great care or service. The awards were last held in 2019 and were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There are six award categories to choose from which are open to staff working in support services as well as clinical services to help recognise important contribution made by all staff in all areas to deliver high quality care and services.

This includes catering staff, porters, receptionists, administration staff, housekeepers and domestic staff. Nominations can be made for staff working in local hospitals and healthcare centres as well as staff who deliver care in local communities and homes across Forth Valley.

The award categories are:

• Outstanding Care Award
• Health and Wellbeing Award
• Service Improvement Award
• Top Team Award
• Inspiration Award
• Better Workplace Award

This year, there will also be a special NHS 75th Anniversary Award to recognise someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the NHS during their career.

NHS Forth Valley’s Chief Executive, Cathie Cowan, said: “After a very tough time during the pandemic, this is a great opportunity for patients and members to show how much they value and appreciate the many wonderful local NHS staff who go the extra mile every day to deliver excellent services, care and treatment.

“Our staff have told us that being recognised for their work means a lot to them, so if you know someone who you think deserves an award, please let us know.”

NHS Forth Valley’s Head of Organisational Development, Margaret Kerr, added: “The response to previous Staff Awards has 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, in your local community or at home then we would love to hear from you.”

Nominations can be submitted online at www.nhsforthvalley.com/staff-awards and nomination forms are also available at reception areas in local hospitals across Forth Valley.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 30th June 2023.