Public urged to vote for their NHS hero

The search is on for the NHS heroes who have delivered outstanding care at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.

The public can now put their nominations forward for the Patient Choice Award which recognises a team or individual who has given exceptional care at the organisation’s Star Awards.

The staff recognition event, held in October, is a celebration of those who have gone above and beyond in their roles.

Sir David Nicholson, chairman at the Trust, said: “Each year we mark the fantastic care provided by our colleagues with our annual Star Awards.

“This year is no different, and we’re excited to celebrate our staff. The theme is Bollywood, which celebrates our diverse community in the local area and sets a glittering scene for us to applaud our teams.

“Members of the public who have been patients, or whose loved ones have, can nominate colleagues who have gone above and beyond to show them excellent care and thank them for their compassion and dedication.”

The Trust runs Sandwell, City and Rowley Regis Hospitals as well as Leasowes Intermediate Care Centre and GP practice Your Health Partnership, which covers six sites across Sandwell.  

Last year the Blue District Nursing Team (pictured) won the award after being recognised for the extremely high-quality end of life care that not only meets the needs of the patient but the emotional needs of their family. 

There are 13 categories in the event, which this year has a Bollywood theme. They include the Patient Choice Award, which only takes nominations from the public, Employee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Clinical Team of the Year.

The Patient Choice Award recognises a team or individual who demonstrates compassion and kindness in the care they have provided to a patient. They will have treated patients with respect, valued and encouraged their independence and ensured they were kept informed throughout with great communication.

Former Eastenders star and ITV weatherman Des Coleman will host the event which will be held at Aston Villa Football Club.

To nominate a team or individual for the Patient Choice Award go to  https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/about-us/the-star-awards/the-star-awards-2023/ – the closing date is 23 June.