THIS week, health and care professionals will be awarded at a special event.

The South Wales Argus Health and Care Awards presentation evening will take place at Chepstow Racecourse on Thursday night, and finalists from the 15 award categories will gather to celebrate their achievements.

One of the 15 award categories that will be awarded is the Outstanding Achievement Award, which is sponsored by Newport City Council.

The judges were looking for a person may have had to overcome objections or barriers, finding new ways of working, developing new approaches to deliver the best possible care or other impact for people in Gwent.

Leader of Newport City Council Cllr Debbie Wilcox said: “I’m delighted that the South Wales Argus is recognising the unsung heroes of our local health and social care workers. They often work in difficult and demanding conditions at a time of increasing pressures and dwindling resources.

“However, most of those who work in these professions are committed, dedicated and caring.

“The outstanding achievement award is about celebrating someone who not only meets all those qualities but who has also gone further in their determination to make a real difference to the people they care for.

The finalists for the award are Julian Rudge, Emma Saysell and June Thomas.

Mr Rudge, who works for the Welsh Ambulances Service, was nominated for a tremendous act of bravery, defusing a very dangerous situation.

He attended a call as paramedic to be met by a person who had attacked someone and he could have been killed or injured.

During the incident he maintained a calm manner until police arrived. He is admired by colleagues for his bravery and his concern for others rather than himself.

Ms Saysell Joined St David’s Hospice Care in 1994 as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, having previously working at Velindre Hospital in Cardiff. She was appointed to the joint position of CEO/Director of Nursing at St David’s Hospice Care in 2004.

She recently delivered a new day hospice in Newport, as well as a new, £5 million, 15 bed, in-patient hospice.

The third finalist has campaigned tirelessly to install defibrillators in every school in Wales since the sudden and unexpected death of her teenage son Jack in 2012.

Mrs Thomas has channelled her energy into raising awareness about cardiac issues. Because of her hard work, 50 schools now have defibrillators available on site, and over 500 young people have been screened for undetected heart conditions.

The winner of the award will be announced at the presentation event.