The KM Media Group is teaming up with Medway Maritime to encourage readers to nominate staff who’ve gone the extra mile.

The annual Hospital Hero Award is back to celebrate the achievements of workers following another challenging year.

A winner will be chosen by the KM from nominations submitted by people who have been treated at the hospital or know someone there who deserves praise.

The hospital, which employs 4,000 people, serves the Medway Towns and the Sittingbourne and Sheppey parts of Swale borough.

Jayne Black, chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “If you know somebody who deserves to be a hospital hero, please take the time to nominate them.

“The award is a fantastic way to recognise and reward hard-working staff who have gone the extra mile for our patients or have shown great passion and commitment to improving their care, nominated by our patients and their family and friends.”

Entries will close at the end of the month and the winner will be presented with the award at the hospital’s Star Awards ceremony on Thursday, June 13.

Last year Jackie Hammond won the Hospital Hero Award for always caring for patients, finding ways to improve their recovery and giving them choices in their care.

She is the lead nurse for the surgical, medical and acute recovery team which supports patients to continue their recovery at home rather than in hospital.

The KM Group’s Matt Ramsden said: “We are once again delighted to support the trust by sponsoring the award.

“Staff throughout the hospital work tirelessly to support the community and we’re hoping this award helps shine a light on the work they do.”

Any Medway Maritime staff member can be entered for the 2023 Hospital Heroes Award, regardless of their role.

Nominations can be made by emailing medway@thekmgroup.co.uk or by completing the form which is in the Medway Messenger newspaper.

Nominators should include the person’s name, department and a short description of why they deserve the award.

Entries will close on Thursday, March 28.