RACHEL Maclean, MP for Redditch, is calling for nominees to enter official NHS awards in recognition of staff who go above and beyond the call of duty.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards were created to celebrate NHS staff, carers and volunteers - their hard work, innovative ideas and unwavering efforts to put patients first.

Rachel is now searching for outstanding nominees for 2019 who have innovated, impressed and made a real difference to how the health and care system provides care for patients.

She said: “The NHS is rightly the nation’s most loved institution and there’s no doubt its staff make it what it is today, which is why it is only right that we thank the extraordinary health and care heroes who are there to guide, support and care for us, day in, day out.

“The NHS has always been there for me and my family, as I know it has for yours. There’s no doubt staff at the Alex are doing an outstanding job in challenging circumstances, that’s why it’s right we recognise all that they do for us.

“I regularly see examples of fantastic care that make a genuine difference and touch the lives of people in Redditch, I want to hear from you again and I would urge all those who have seen or received outstanding care first hand to send me examples they think deserve national recognition.”

There are 10 categories, including a lifetime achievement award to honour those who have devoted their life or career to making the NHS better, both for patients and those who work within it.

All those who are shortlisted for excellence will be invited to an award ceremony in Parliament to celebrate their fantastic achievements.

Last year over 250 Members of Parliament nominated an individual or organisation for an award.

There were over 750 nominations from MPs in England: 750 reasons why the national and regional judging panels made up of leading heath and care figures were blown away by the talent, creativity and brilliance in the NHS, spotlighted by England’s MPs.

For more information, including categories, go to england.nhs.uk/nhs-parliamentary-awards/about/

MPs have until April 26 to submit their nominations.

MPs will choose one nomination per category; these will then be judged by senior local and regional NHS experts to find champions in every part of the country in each category, to be announced in June.