PATIENTS across Swindon and Wiltshire are being asked to nominate NHS staff who have gone above and beyond for a prestigious award.

The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust wants the public to put forward names of those winning their People’s Choice Award.

The accolade is part of the trust’s annual Staff Excellence Award, now in its sixth year.

Any member of trust staff can be nominated, whether they work at the Great Western Hospital, in one of the trust’s community hospitals or care for people in their own homes.

It is the only publicly nominated prize at the awards and is designed to shine a light on staff who provide exceptional care.

The deadline for nominations is Sunday, March 8.

Oonagh Fitzgerald, director of workforce and education at the trust, said: “With only a week to go before the closing date, I would strongly encourage anyone who has been moved by the care they have received from a member of our staff to pick up a pen and fill in a nomination form.

“Our staff work incredibly hard every single day to provide the people of Swindon and Wiltshire with world class treatment as and when they need it.

“The People’s Choice Award is such a good way for the public to thank those who have gone the extra mile and made a real difference to either their own lives or the lives of their family and friends.

“Any member of staff can be nominated, from doctors and nurses to parking attendants and receptionists.

“Nominations aren’t exclusive to staff at GWH either, if you have received amazing service from someone at one of our community hospitals, then please vote for them too.”

Last year’s People’s Choice Award was won by Fiona Robinson, a physiotherapist at Malmesbury Primary Care Centre.

She said: “All of this came as a complete shock to me. Winning the award was such a nice gesture and I really appreciated it.

“Even to be nominated was a massive honour in itself.”

Judges will select a shortlist from all of the public nominations and all nominees will be invited to a ceremony being held at the Steam Museum in June. To make a nomination, visit www.gwh.nhs.uk or call 01793 605410.