MPs are nominating health service staff for their response to the coronavirus pandemic as part of the annual NHS Parliamentary Awards.
Hospitals have treated more than 100,000 patients with coronavirus since the Omicron wave began, while the NHS – backed by thousands of volunteers and supported by other key workers – has rolled out a world-leading boosters vaccination programme that has prevented another 100,000 needing hospital treatment.
The category recognising efforts during the pandemic has been included in the annual event for the first time, after another extraordinary 12 months which has seen NHS staff and volunteers go the extra mile for patients and their families. The new award is just one of 10 categories in the NHS Parliamentary Awards for staff and volunteers in the health service and care sector as the country adapts to living with coronavirus.
MPs can nominate outstanding individuals, teams or organisations from their constituency for the awards, which were launched in Parliament by NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard.
Pritchard said: “Covid has been the greatest challenge in the NHS’s history and our staff, supported by volunteers and partners in the care sector and wider public, have responded magnificently. The NHS Parliamentary Awards are here to recognise the dedication, innovation and can-do spirit staff have shown, not just in the face of this once in a generation pandemic.
“This is a chance for MPs to put a spotlight on nurses, doctors, therapists, porters, cleaners, cooks or other health and care staff who have gone above and beyond to deliver for patients and their families. It has been inspiring to witness the courage and innovation shown by staff across the country, as they worked together to innovate and adapt to the constantly changing demands posed by Covid and are now putting the same energy and commitment into recovery from the pandemic.”
The shortlist of regional winners will be announced on 13 June ahead of the winners ceremony in July. Since the awards began in 2018 over 450 MPs have nominated an individual or organisation for an award. Last year, the NHS received over 500 nominations from MPs.
Other categories include the Excellence in Healthcare Award, the Excellence in Mental Health Care Award, the Future NHS Award and the NHS Rising Star Award.
