LAST year it was good, and this year it’s going to be even better!

That was the message at the launch of the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards 2019.

Sponsors gathered for a reception at the Hereford Times office to hear of plans for a new, bigger venue for the awards’ gala evening following the runaway success of last year’s event, in which there were 39 finalists.

Sue Griffiths, who is events director for Hereford Times publisher Newsquest Media Group, said the inaugural awards in 2018 had been an uplifting and inspiring occasion. But there was insufficient space for all those who wanted to attend and celebrate with the winners.

She said: “As a result, this year we are holding our presentation evening at the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford, which can accommodate more people.

“I am really looking forward to hearing more of the stories of expertise and dedication that at times moved our audience to tears last year.”

The awards will again salute outstanding work by individuals and teams in the health and social care sector across the county.

The categories are:

  1. Care Team
  2. Care Hero
  3. Care Home Worker
  4. Domiciliary Care Worker
  5. Good Nurse
  6. Care Trainer
  7. Dignity in Care
  8. Dementia Carer
  9. Palliative/End of Life
  10. Mental Health Award
  11. Care Employer
  12. GP Practice
     

Our headline sponsor is the University of Worcester, the region’s leading healthcare training provider.

A series of supplements in the Hereford Times and special coverage on our website and social media will explain the awards that are up for grabs, appeal for entries, and publicise those shortlisted.

The climax will be an awards ceremony when the winners and runners-up are revealed, followed by a special supplement in the Hereford Times highlighting all the successful entrants.

One of the most emotional moments of last year’s awards evening came when Jan Best won the Good Nurse award posthumously. She had worked in the health industry for 40 years and looked after many patients within the NHS and at the Nuffield site on Aylestone Hill.

Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, July 3, and the awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 12.

Visit www.herefordtimes.com/healthandsocialcareawards to nominate and to find out more.

You can view a picture gallery of last year’s winners online at http://bit.ly/2PohapA