Last week I was proud to be able to welcome Tess Tremlett and Gary Deighton from the Community Engagement Team at the Forest of Dean District Council to Westminster for the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards ceremony. This was an excellent recognition for the work they do in partnership with the NHS to improve constituents’ lives and reduce social isolation. The team provides advice and support on health and well-being, community safety, children and young people, and older and vulnerable people.
Although they were narrowly pipped to winning the award (which went to the Islington GP Foundation) the fact that the Community Engagement Team was shortlisted, against some very stiff competition from all over the country, was fantastic and I know they will continue providing outstanding support to my constituents in the Forest of Dean.
Here in Gloucestershire, the local NHS commissioners have launched their own awards to celebrate the NHS’s 70th birthday. Gloucestershire residents will get their own chance to nominate their NHS heroes for the Gloucestershire NHS70 Awards.
The awards are a chance to celebrate outstanding care and community support and health professionals will also be able to nominate their colleagues or teams.
In recognition of 70 years of the NHS, categories are open to people who are currently working in, or alongside the NHS, or those who may have retired, but have made a lasting impression for their care, compassion or innovative practice.
The Awards recognise care and support in people’s homes, GP surgeries, communities and in hospitals – both physical health and mental health. A total of 13 categories also celebrate community partnerships, development of active, healthy communities, equality and diversity and innovation. There are also special awards for young professionals (NHS Futures) and lifetime achievement.
The deadline for submission is 24/08/2018 and full details can be found on the website: www.gloucestershirenhs70awards.co.uk.
I will be submitting nominations myself, and am open to suggestions. If there is anyone you would like me to consider nominating, please do let me know by writing to Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or emailing mark.harper.mp@parliament.uk.