THE trust which runs Morecambe Bay 's hospitals is urging the public to nominate "shining stars" for its third annual Your Health Heroes awards.

The awards formally recognise the talent and commitment of staff, volunteers, governors and fundraisers at Westmorland General Hospital, Furness General Hospital, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Queen Victoria Hospital, Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.

Nominations are being sought from staff, patients, visitors, families, neighbouring health and social care organisations and members of the public.

The Trust is looking for nominations in 13 categories: Innovation; Doctor of the Year; Nurse of the Year; Midwife of the Year; Team of the Year; Special Achievement; Patient Safety; Behind the Scenes; Fundraiser of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Registered Professional of the Year; Student / Trainee of the Year; Supporting the Organisation Award

Jackie Daniel, chief executive of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust, said: “What makes these awards really special is that, along with staff, our patients, visitors and members of the public can nominate who they think we should be celebrating. This is a really important factor for me because it is these individuals and their families that we all come into work every day to help and serve, so their opinion really matters.

"We want everyone to tell us who in our hospitals made a difference to them. It could be any member of staff, regardless of their role - from the porter that assisted you to your appointment, the nurse that got you that extra slice of toast when you were feeling hungry, the doctor that talked you through your treatment in a compassionate manner, or the receptionist who always greets you with a friendly smile.

“We really hope everyone we serve and work with will get behind these awards and tell us who goes above and beyond expectations in our hospitals.”

To find out more visit website at uhmb.nhs.uk/media-centre/your-health-heroes/, call 01539-716675 or email bethany.addenbrook@mbht.nhs.uk

Nominations close on 12 December 2014. Three finalists will be selected for each category and they will be invited to the awards ceremony on Friday 6 February 2015, at the Lancaster House Hotel.