In another challenging year for our hospital staff many of the doctors, nurses, office and housekeeping teams have gone above and beyond.

KentOnline and the Medway NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up again to celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment over the past 12 months.

Nominations are open to name the Medway Maritime Hospital Hero award for 2021 to thank staff for their dedication, hard work and compassion.

The award is nominated by patients and the public with the winner chosen by the team at the Medway Messenger – our sister newspaper title.

Anyone from the hospital's army of staff can be chosen and put forward for the award.

Dr George Findlay, chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It has been a very challenging time for our staff since the pandemic began but they have remained focused on providing the highest levels of care to our community.

"It really does mean a lot when their dedication is recognised by our patients, so I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to make a nomination."

The award will be presented during the trust's annual awards ceremony later this year.

Matt Ramsden, editor of the Medway Messenger, added: "We're delighted to join up with Medway hospital again to celebrate the work of our brilliant NHS staff.

"No one can doubt the dedication of people working across the hospital but we're looking for someone who's done something extraordinary or made a real difference to patients' lives or their friends or family."

Nominations close on November 12 – give their name and department they work in, write a short description of why they deserve the award and if possible a picture – and send them to communications.medwayft@nhs.net

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway