TODAY we are pleased to announce that the University of Worcester is to be the headline sponsor of the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards.

The university, which is one of the country's foremost educators of healthcare professionals, joins an impressive line-up of backers for the awards.

Also lending their support are St Michael's Hospice, Western Power Distribution and Rotherwood House and others.

They are showcased in the special eight-page supplement in today's paper which moves the search for nominees up a gear.

The University of Worcester works closely with employers, including the NHS, county councils and a range of voluntary and private sector employers.

It produced healthcare graduates that are among the most employable in the country.

Professor David Green, vice chancellor and chief executive of the university, said: “We work closely with our local community and with partners across a wide range of sectors to provide students with an invaluable insight into professional practice.

He said the university was delighted to be sponsoring the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards, recognising the outstanding commitment of the many professionals and volunteers who work in our hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and many other settings.

Professor Green said: “It is a great opportunity to showcase the valuable work they do each and every day and to highlight the brilliant work some of the very best healthcare professionals in the county and the country as whole.”

Our health and care awards aim to recognise hard work, dedication, innovation and high standards in the health and care sector in Herefordshire.

The awards will be presented in a glitzy ceremony later this year.

Supplements like the one in today's Hereford Times and coverage on our website will include the full list of awards up for grabs, and who is finally shortlisted.

Our independent judging panel will sift through your nominations and identify those with the qualities they feel best match the award category criteria. They will make their decision based on the content of the nomination rather than the number of nominations received.

Join us in applauding those who contribute so much for others in Herefordshire.

To find out how to nominate someone today visit www.herefordtimes.com/awards/healthandsocialcare