Patient Choice Award nominations open until August 5

The Patient Choice Award is part of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust’s (BFT) annual staff awards and aims to celebrate exceptional care, compassion, and commitment from staff across Bristol and Weston.

The award is open for nominations from patients, families, and members of the public, who can put forward individual NHS workers or teams who have made a meaningful difference during their care within the past year.

Steve Hams, chief nursing and improvement officer at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our staff make an incredible difference to people's lives every single day, often during some of the most challenging and important moments they will ever experience.

The awards cover services provided at various places across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, including at Southmead Hospital. (Image: Ben Birchall)

"Our Patient Choice Award offers a wonderful opportunity for patients, families, and carers to tell us about the individuals and teams who have made a lasting impression through their compassion, professionalism, and dedication.

"As a newly merged organisation, these awards are also a chance to celebrate the strength that comes from bringing our people, services, and communities together.

"With more than 30,000 colleagues working across Bristol and Weston, we are incredibly proud of the care our teams provide, and we want to hear the stories that demonstrate the very best of our NHS."

The launch of the award follows the recent merger that created one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, now employing more than 28,000 staff.

It is intended to reinforce the trust’s focus on patient-centred care and to formally recognise the everyday impact of NHS workers through personal stories and public feedback.

Eligible services for the award include those delivered at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Southmead Hospital, Weston General Hospital, and various community and satellite services.

Maria Kane, chief executive of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is a special year for our organisation as we have come together as one trust, united by a shared purpose to provide excellent care for the people we serve.

The awards cover services provided at various places across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, including at Bristol Royal Infirmary. (Image: Bristol Royal Infirmary / University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust)

"Our staff are our greatest asset, and patient stories are among the most powerful ways of recognising their impact.

"We encourage everyone who has received care from our services to take a few moments to nominate someone who deserves recognition."

Nominations can be made through the trust’s website.

The public has until August 5 to submit their entries.

Shortlisted nominees will be honoured alongside fellow staff members at this year’s trust awards ceremony.