HOSPITALS are giving patients and visitors the chance to put forward staff or volunteers who have gone the extra mile for special recognition. 

The Patient Choice Team Award and Patient Choice Individual Award are two of the categories seeking to highlight some of the incredible individuals and teams that make up University Hospitals Dorset – Christchurch, Poole and Royal Bournemouth hospitals. 

They form part of the UHD Awards 2024, which recognise and celebrate hospital staff, those working for key partners in our hospitals and for volunteers who freely give their time and skills. 

Judges will be looking for individuals and teams for who nothing is too much trouble, provide great care or service, treat others with kindness and respect, and are a great example to others. 

Siobhan Harrington, chief executive of UHD, said: “Ultimately we are all here to provide the best care we can for our patients.  

“For me, this means the complete experience patients have from the moment they step foot in our hospitals or speak to a member of our team on the phone or online, not necessarily just the clinical care we provide. 

“Every member of our staff can contribute to the care a patient experiences, and I hope as many members of the public as possible take the opportunity to put someone forward in the Patient Choice categories. 

“We saw at our first awards last year how much that recognition from the public means to our UHD family, so we’d love to see as many nominations in this category as possible.” 

The winners will be decided by a judging panel representing a wide range of UHD staff and announced at an awards event at The Pavilion in Bournemouth on June 20. 

To nominate, go to www.uhd.nhs.uk and search ‘awards’ to find an online form and guidance on what judges will be looking for to help your nomination stand out. 

Nominations must be made by midnight on May 3.