Welcome to the launch of the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards 2021.

This is the fourth year we have run the awards – with the last 18 months in which we’ve lived under the shadow of coronavirus emphasising more than ever before just how much society relies on the dedicated people who take care of the most vulnerable in our communities.

The Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards were born when some leading people in the local care sector told us that it – and, more importantly, the people in it – did not get the recognition they deserved.

So in 2018, the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards were launched, enthusiastically backed by a range of organisations, including headline sponsors the University of Worcester.

The awards showcase the fantastic work being done by carers for private firms, public bodies or in the voluntary sector. They show what caring is all about.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

Last year was bigger and better. More entries, more supporters, more awareness, and more people watching the glitzy presentation evening.

At a time when there are real concerns about the huge pressure that Britain’s entire social care sector is under, the awards stand out as a beacon of positivity.

Don’t ask us, ask the people on the front line. They continue to support the event because not only does it showcase what they do as organisations, it really does make a big difference to staff. It’s not a glamorous industry.

Hereford Times:

The hard work and emotional strain on support workers and carers is huge. Having a high-profile event to say ‘thank you’ for their wonderful work is important.

On these pages you can find details of the award categories and guidance on how to make a nomination. The nomination process is easy – all you need to do is visit our website: www.herefordtimes.com/healthandsocialcare where you will find a simple form to fill in.

This year’s event will, as it was for last year’s awards, be a live digital broadcast on Thursday, October 21, at 7pm via the Hereford Times Facebook page

Make your nomination today! The closing date for nominations is Wednesday, August 4, at noon.

Your host for the awards is Dr Dawn Harper

Hosting this year’s event is TV’s Dr Dawn Harper, a practising NHS GP who has worked in the NHS for more than 30 years.

A member of the Royal College of Physicians, she is a popular speaker at events including corporate health and wellbeing days, Royal Television Society debates and live events such as Countryfile Live, This Morning Live and the Women’s Institute AGM. In the last year, she has travelled to Prague, Munich and Seattle to chair international conferences on chronic migraine, epilepsy and psoriatic arthropathy, and has more to follow this year and next year in the US and Europe.

For the last 12 years Dr Harper has worked extensively in the media.

Probably best known as one of the presenters of Channel 4’s BAFTA award-winning Embarrassing Bodies, which has now been shown in 120 countries across the world, she has presented several other shows such as the Channel 4 series Born Naughty.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

She has authored 12 books, is a keen supporter of children’s and health charities, and is regularly asked to comment on medical headlines on live television and radio.

She is also interested in the world of cosmetics and cosmeceuticals and has played a key role in championing the cause for industry regulation.

When not at work, she lives with her partner, Jack, in the Cotswolds with their two Jack Russell terriers.

She is an avid cyclist, having cycled thousands of miles over the years for various charities, and loves live music and fashion.

She will be joined by a glittering line-up of celebrities, keen to add their support to the nominees – among them are former Dr Who Sylvester McCoy, retired British sprint track and field athlete Anyika Onuora, comedian Rachel Parris, TV interiors expert Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen, former Blue member Antony Costa, English rugby union player Alex Goode, Bucks Fizz’s Cheryl Baker, property expert and presenter of Homes under the Hammer Martin Roberts, pop star Lily Allen and actor Crissy Rock.

Thanks to those who make the awards possible

The Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards, presented once again in partnership with the University of Worcester, are made possible with the support of our generous sponsors: NHS Wye Valley Trust, NHS Worcestershire Health and Care, Rotherwood Healthcare, Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital, Hoople Training and Education, a local Skills for Care-endorsed provider delivering specialist training to the care industry, Care Hero, Altogether Care, a domiciliary care agency providing care and support to people in need in and around Herefordshire, Taurus Healthcare, a federation of all 20 Herefordshire GP practices. and Katherine Harriet Bespoke Home Care.

THE STARS WE'RE SEARCHING FOR ...

Health care team

We want to hear about teams working together to deliver improved patient care. They can be from any sector but must demonstrate impact, very strong team working, strong communication and the ability to work across organisational boundaries.

Care hero

Do you know a care worker who has worked hard to enable someone to live an independent, safe and fulfilled life? Have they helped to change someone’s life for the better?

It is these everyday stories about how our care workers make a difference (big or small) that the judges want to hear.

Care home worker

Recognises an individual worker who strives to improve the delivery of care in the care home sector through developing ways to enhance nursing care. This person must demonstrate outstanding levels of commitment and put the person being cared for at the heart of what they do.

Domiciliary care worker

Celebrating the important work of the 3rd sector and community teams. Someone who is doing something new, something bold or different. Something new to you, new to the sector or a new way of tackling an age-old problem? Or someone who just does what they do really well.

Good nurse

Someone who demonstrates an innovative and caring approach. This person must demonstrate outstanding levels of commitment to care and put the patient at the heart of what they do. Entrants can be from any health care profession, working anywhere, from community care to surgical theatres.

Care trainer

The judges want to hear about how the training adapted to meet the needs of service, about the quality of service given and the effectiveness of new training.

Dementia carer

An individual care worker who strives to improve the delivery of care for those living with dementia.

This person must demonstrate outstanding levels of commitment to care and put the person being cared for at the heart of what they do. They should be enhancing the care of those with dementia, and demonstrate outstanding commitment.

Palliative/end of life care

An individual or team that recognises how choices made by the person being cared for and their family is central to the service and care that is delivered.

This involves reflecting fully on what is important to the person at the end of their life and the psychological, social and spiritual support given.

Mental health care

Open to a department or individual carer/nurse/doctor who specialises in the care and treatment of Mental Health. Good mental health. We’d like to hear how care and support in this sector has improved the lives of the individual and their families.

GP practice of the year

This practice will stand out for the level of care provided. Has a doctor or practice nurse gone above or beyond the call of duty, or has the receptionist always greeted you with a smile and a friendly word?

Care employer

The nominees will be employers with a strong commitment to employees without diminishing the care they provide. The winner will have a strong and loyal workforce, all the members of which feel valued and recognised.

Child and adolescent health care

AN organisation, department and or individual carer/nurse/ doctor/charity specialising in the care and treatment of children and adolescents.

This can range from specialist paediatrics, mental health, social, emotional or behavioural support, or those who offer assessments and intervention.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!