NOMINATIONS are now open in celebration of healthcare heroes across the Dudley borough.

Patients who have received excellent care at any Dudley Group hospital site or community service have the chance to say thank you by nominating staff in the Trust’s annual staff awards.

If patients feel a member of staff has made an outstanding contribution to their ward or department, they can complete an online nomination form by visiting https://patientchoiceaward.dgft.nhs.uk

Paper nomination forms are also available from Russells Hall Hospital or Guest and Corbett outpatient centres.

This year the Trust has renamed the category which recognises its volunteers in memory of Steve Ford, who passed away last year.

Staff and patients can also nominate volunteers for the Steve Ford Volunteer Award, which commemorates Steve’s 30 years’ of volunteering for the Trust.

The awards will be hosted for the second year running by broadcaster Nick Owen.

Nick said: "I feel honoured to be asked once again to present Dudley’s staff awards.

“Naturally, it is always a pleasure to join in such a celebration, but to recognise people who dedicate their careers so selflessly to the NHS, helping to improve our health and wellbeing, makes it significantly more meaningful.

“I absolutely loved being part of Committed to Excellence last year and very much look forward to this year's awards.”

Nominations close on Sunday May 19 and the winners will be announced at the Committed to Excellence ceremony at the Copthorne Hotel on Friday July 5.