Time is running out to nominate your Hospital Hero for 2018.

The Kent Messenger has once more teamed up with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to find the member of hospital staff who has gone above and beyond to provide high quality treatment and care.

Many of you have already got in touch to highlight individuals who deserve extra recognition for their efforts this year, and there is still time to have your say if you haven't already.

Nominations apply to staff, volunteers or entire wards at either of the two hospitals in Barming and Pembury, or those working in the community, on behalf of the trust.

The award for 2017 was won by Maidstone's intensive care department, after being nominated by a woman struggling with a serious illness, who praised workers who tried to make her life more bearable by washing her hair and even delivering a spa day.

After being presented with the gong by former Loose Women panellist Carol McGiffin, matron Angali Clifton-Fearnside said: "It means so much to know that we made a positive difference to someone’s experience of a very long and difficult time in hospital.”

You have just 48 hours left to get your nominations in, so make sure you have your say by completing the online form here by 1pm on Wednesday, October 17.

The award will then be presented to the winner, along with a series of other gongs for hospital staff, at a glitzy ceremony on Friday, November 9.