HOSPITAL staff and supporters who 'go the extra mile' will be honoured at an awards scheme.

Nominations are now open for the annual awards run by Dorset County Hospital.

The Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Awards recognise both staff and volunteers who go over and above what is expected to make a difference to people’s lives.

Colleagues, patients and their friends and family are asked to nominate hospital staff and volunteers for a number of awards to honour their dedication and commitment to Dorset County Hospital and the NHS.

Nominees will be shortlisted in April with the awards evening being held on Friday, June 12 at Kingston Maurward.

The awards evening also recognises those receiving their 25 year NHS Long Service Award.

Trust Chairman Mark Addison said: “I really look forward to this evening every year. It is such a great opportunity to recognise and thank all our staff and volunteers for the huge amount they do.

“We have a wonderful team at DCH who provide outstanding care to our patients and their families in their times of need.

“Brilliant work is happening day in, day out across our hospital. The GEM Awards are a chance to nominate a specific member of staff, volunteer or team who have left a lasting impression and who deserves to be recognised for all they do.”

This year there are nine GEM categories:

Chairman’s Award

Team of the Year Award

Leadership Award

Innovation Award

Volunteer Award

Patient Safety Award

Patient Choice Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Student/Apprentice of the Year Award

You can submit your nominations online via: dchft.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/gem-nominations-2020

Alternatively, you can request a form by calling Kelly Upton on 01305 254116 or email kelly.upton@dchft.nhs.uk

When making nominations, please include as much detail as possible about how the individual or team has provided exceptional care.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 8.