Have you, or someone you love, been treated at Medway Maritime Hospital and feel someone there deserves a special thank you?

The Medway Messenger has once again teamed up with Medway NHS Foundation Trust to launch a Hospital Hero award.

Time and time again, we hear of staff working tirelessly to provide the best care they can for patients in the face of a huge amount of pressure and increased demand.

Now is the time to give them their moment in the spotlight. We want to hear from anyone who feels someone at the hospital has gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver outstanding care.

Readers can nominate anyone for the award – from doctors and nurses, to support staff, gardeners, porters and even volunteers.

Trust chief executive Lesley Dwyer said: “Our staff work extremely hard to provide high-quality care for our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It always means a lot when their dedication is recognised by our patients and I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to make a nomination.”

Last year’s Hospital Hero was play specialist Ann McKinnon. Ann was chosen for her selfless approach and boundless enthusiasm. She has worked at the hospital for 20 years, helping make life a bit brighter for young patients.

After receiving her award, she said: “As many people know, I really love my job on Dolphin Ward and I always try my best to make life that bit happier and easier for the children and parents, as they are the people that matter most.

“It feels so rewarding to receive recognition for that.”

She was nominated by mum Lisa Edmonds who said: “Ann is one amazing lady and I have yet to meet anyone else like her.

“She always goes above and beyond. I’m sure she is an angel in disguise. I really could not praise her enough.”

Among other nominees last year were surgeon Neil Kukreja, clinical support workers Lorraine Swinney and Melanie Cavaleri, midwives Kerry Sturgess and Deborah Simmons and the staff on Nelson ward.

To nominate email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to Hospital Hero, Medway House, Ginsbury Close, Sir Thomas Longley Road, Strood, Me24DU. Please include your name and tel number, what department the nominee works in and a short description of why you think they deserve the award.