Press release
Who is your NHS Hero?
A scheme has been launched to recognise NHS Staff who have gone the extra mile in their work to make a difference to people’s lives.
NHS Heroes allows patients, members of the public and NHS staff alike to nominate their NHS Hero as part of this national recognition scheme.
The scheme was launched by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley on the NHS’s 64th birthday earlier this month. The scheme is open to all staff working in the NHS, from GPs, Practice Nurses, Dentists and Receptionists; Hospital Doctors, Nurses and Porters; to Health Visitors and District Nurses, anyone who works within the NHS could be an NHS Hero.
NHS organisations in Bury (NHS Bury, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust) are calling for local patients, members of the public, their families and carers, along with NHS staff, to nominate their NHS Hero.
An NHS Hero could be nominated for all kinds of reasons, it’s often the smallest most considerate things that go beyond expectations and make a real difference to people’s lives. There are unsung Heroes in Bury and this scheme aims to find them.
Speaking on the 5th July, the 64th anniversary of the NHS, and regarding the scheme, Mr. Lansley said: "Staff across the NHS in England carry out fantastic work every day - going the extra mile to make a real difference to people’s lives. The NHS Heroes scheme is a chance for everyone to formally recognise these staff and thank them for their hard work, passion and dedication.”
"As the NHS marks its 64th birthday today, I urge everyone to celebrate your NHS Heroes by nominating staff from your local hospital, surgery and community."
NHS Heroes is also backed by NHS Chief Executive Sir David Nicholson. He said: “NHS Heroes is a celebration of the very best in the NHS. Whether they are working behind the scenes or on the front line, it is the job of every NHS staff member to save lives and care for people through their most difficult times.”
“We know that NHS patients and their families remember, often for the rest of their lives, the little kindnesses and extra effort of the people who cared for them when they were ill.”
“In turn, those people delivering front-line care are supported by an army of behind-the-scenes workers whose own dedication and commitment keeps the NHS running smoothly. So I hope that NHS staff also get involved, and nominate those people who support them at work to give world-class NHS care.”
Coronation Street’s Debbie Rush, who plays Anna Windass, stars in a video launching NHS Heroes, alongside NHS staff and patients. She said: “I’m nominating my NHS Hero to recognise the fact that they always go that extra mile in everything that they do. It’s a great way to say thank you."
To nominate your NHS Hero visit www.nhsheroes.com
Ends
Date: 13th July 2012
For press & media enquiries: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email bur-pct.communications@nhs.net
Notes to Editor:
NHS Heroes launched on 5th July 2012 – the 64th anniversary of the NHS. Nominations will close during mid September 2012.