AMONG the awards up for grabs in our new awards is the Health Care Professional of the Year honour.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates an innovative and caring approach to their work.

This person must demonstrate outstanding levels of commitment to patient care and put the patient at the heart of what they do.

They can be from any health care profession, and can work anywhere, from community care to surgical theatres.

We are also looking to award Gwent best GP practice.

Have you received great service? Has a doctor or practice nurse gone above and beyond the call of duty? Has a receptionist always greeted you with a smile?

Then you should nominate them for the GP Practice of the Year award, which is sponsored by Tovey Bros.

The award recognises the contribution of everyone in the practice in providing a top service to patients.

The Innovative Care in the Care Home Sector honour, meanwhile, sponsored by the Royal College of Nursing in Wales, aims to recognise the contribution of a team which strives to improve the delivery of care in the care home sector through developing ways to enhance nursing care. Individual nurses and health care support workers are also eligible.

People who work with children will be recognised by the Early Years award.

It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to children’s health - from medicine and science to community and public health.

Nominees do not need to be doctors or medical professionals, only someone who has helped to improve the health of children.

We are also recognising the work of communities which are working together to support local people’s health.

The Healthy Neighbourhood award, which is sponsored by independent family run hearing aid company Malmo Hearing, recognises groups or individuals who are working in areas that help get people moving, educating people on healthy eating, or improving residents’ mental health.

The Best Patient and Public Involvement award will recognise outstanding examples of how patient satisfaction has been improved, be it between health services, professionals or researchers and the public.

Examples for this award must have occurred since January 1, 2015 to be eligible.

It’s not only professionals that the Health and Care Awards are aiming to celebrate either.

Our Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Western Power Distribution, acknowledges those who have shown an exceptional and outstanding commitment to helping people.

We want to know how they have gone above and beyond the call of duty and the difference they are making to people’s lives.

Equally, the Third Sector or Community Team of the Year award is about celebrating the important work that the third sector and community teams do in health and care.

Sponsored by Cwmbran Shopping, this category celebrates people who are doing something new, bold or different in the sector.

It can also be someone who does outstanding work in a not for profit or non-governmental organisation.

To nominate, or find out more about the awards, visit southwalesargus.co.uk/healthandcareawards

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