18 November 2010
The most senior nurse at Epsom, St Helier and Sutton hospitals is encouraging local people who have experienced fantastic nursing care at the Trust to nominate staff for a national award.
The Patient's Choice Award 2011, which is organised by the Nursing Standard with support from The Patients' Association, is looking for nominations of nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who go above the call of duty for their patients.
Director of Nursing, Pippa Hart, said: "I know that every day in our wards and departments, our nurses strive to give our patients the very best of care. And, with almost 2,000 nursing staff currently working at our hospitals, I am confident that many local people have benefited from their care and compassion.
"I would like to ask local patients and their loved ones to think about nominating one of our nursing team who have made a real difference to them. It would mean an awful lot to those staff who are always willing to go their extra mile for their patients."
Emergency nurse practitioner, Mike Smith said: "It's great that we have an opportunity to recognise and reward excellence in nursing, promote best practice and share innovation through these awards. There are so many positive role models in our hospitals, hopefully we will see several nominations being made and going forward because of that."
To make a nomination, visit www.patients-choice.co.uk or call 020 8423 1066 to request an entry form. The closing date for nominations is 21 January 2011.
After voting closes, an expert panel of judges will select three finalists. Members of the public will then be invited to vote for the nurse who they believe most deserves the accolade.
The winner will receive their award - including a prize of £1,000 - at a prestigious ceremony, held in London on 28 April 2011.
