Public given chance to honour heroes of the health world

Devoted carers and health workers will be honoured at an awards ceremony for going the extra mile in supporting people in a way that promotes dignity, respect and well-being.

Readers have the chance to nominate their own heroes for recognition at the Dignity & Respect Awards 2015, organised by Buckinghamshire County Council and the local NHS.

The unique awards scheme, now in its third year, aims to promote dignity for Buckinghamshire people who receive care in a hospital, from their GP surgery, at home, or in a care home.

This year, for the first time, nominations are being invited from members of the public as well as people working in the health and care sectors.

Patricia Birchley, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: “This is people’s chance to say thank you to the wonderful carers or NHS staff who have helped them. In particular, we want to recognise the work of those who treat patients and clients with dignity.

“The message is you simply have to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity whether you are in hospital, in your own home or in a care home. Health workers and care staff have to treat people with the respect they would expect to receive themselves.”

Short-listed nominations will be showcased at the Dignity & Awards event on April 17 2015 and the audience will vote for the winner in each category.

If you know of a person, team, group or organisation that has gone over and above in treating you or someone you care for with dignity then why not recognise and nominate them? Nominations close on February 25 2015. For more, go to www.buckscc.gov.uk/dignity or call 01296 387821.