UNSUNG heroes of the health services will get the chance to be celebrated later this year, with nominations opening this week for the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust annual staff awards.

The trust, which runs Stoke Mandeville, Wycombe, Amersham, Chalfont, Marlow and Thame Hospitals, as well as community nurse, health visitors and school nurse services, is calling nominations from residents who have experienced its services in the last financial year.

This could be as a patient, relative or friend, visitor or member of staff.

Anne Eden, chief executive of the Trust said: "While we know all our members of staff work incredibly hard, our awards aim to recognise those staff who go above and beyond to deliver our mission of safe and compassionate care, every time, for our patients. So we’re asking patients and visitors to our organisation to help us identify the deserving candidates."

There are nine categories to choose from, which aim to recognise any individual or team whose compassion, care, skill, kindness or helpfulness has been outstanding.

Whether they are a porter, nurse, therapist, housekeeper, doctor, receptionist, volunteer, contractor, the trust would like to know.

You can make your nomination by visiting www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/awards, or picking up a form at any BHT hospital receptions/education centres. Nominations close on August 8.