Coronavirus has been a global health emergency on a scale not seen for a century. The NHS, which first opened its doors in 1948, responded swiftly and flexibly to deal with the pandemic but staff – present, past and future – have had to come together as never before, supported by volunteers and the public.

There is no doubt that the NHS is one of the UK’s most treasured institutions, having cared for us from the cradle to the grave for over 70 years. It has welcomed huge medical advances and vastly improved public health, and it is thanks to the NHS that we have all but eradicated diseases such as polio and diphtheria, and that we are able to deliver new treatments such as the world’s first liver, heart and lung transplants.

All these achievements have only been possible because of the skill, dedication and compassion of NHS staff, as well as the many volunteers, charities and communities that support the service. These individuals who dedicate their working lives to supporting the most vulnerable in our society deserve to be honoured for their work, and there is no greater way to do this than at the NHS Parliamentary Awards.

I know how much the awards have meant to all those who have been nominated in previous years. To have the skill, professionalism and compassion of the NHS recognised and celebrated is a huge boost for those nominated, as well as for their colleagues and organisations.

I am therefore delighted to announce that I will be participating in this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards in order to honour the extraordinary NHS and Social Care staff who work so tirelessly to care for us when we need them most.

Over the next 5 weeks I want to hear your stories about the individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond to ensure that you or your loved ones have received the best possible care when you have needed them most.

This year, there are 10 categories in the awards, covering everything from Primary and Community Care, to Mental Health Care to the NHS Rising Star Award – the full list of categories and the criteria for each can be found here.

Information on how to nominate is available here. 

The deadline for nominations is 6 April 2022 – I will be unable to accept nominations received after this date.

I look forward to reading about the NHS heroes who have made a difference to your lives.