People urged to nominate their NHS health and social care hero

South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust is urging local people to nominate for the 2009 NHS Health and Social Care Hero Award 2009. The award was jointly created by NHS Yorkshire and the Humber and ITV Yorkshire last year in an effort to highlight the incredible and vital work individuals within the NHS and social services carry out everyday.

This year’s awards were launched on Monday’s Calendar news programme, and members of the public can now nominate someone working in the NHS health and social care for this special award. The Trust is encouraging people whose lives have been affected by an NHS health and social care hero to consider making a nomination as a way of showing their appreciation.

Three shortlisted individuals will be shown on ITV Calendar news from 18th to 20th May after which members of the public will be able to vote for their hero. The 2009 award will be presented at the annual NHS Yorkshire and the Humber Health and Social Care awards ceremony on 28 May.

Chair of the Trust Joyce Catterick said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to commend someone they feel has gone the extra mile and made a real difference. Our organisation is full of unsung heroes who work tirelessly to make a difference to the lives of others. This award is a rare chance for them, and people from other NHS organisations, to get the recognition they deserve. Their work is appreciated by all those they touch, and this is the time to let them know."

People can nominate their Health and Social Care Hero via the website www.calendarnhshero.com but must do so before midnight on the 4th April.