Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) have launched their new Our People Awards and are inviting patients, carers and members of the public in the South Hams to show their care and appreciation for their amazing staff by nominating them for the People’s Choice award.

Each and every day health and care staff across Torbay and South Devon are doing incredible things to care for the people who use services, to support and look after each other, to encourage colleagues to develop and grow, to improve their working environment, and to make people smile.

The People’s Choice award gives patients, carers and members of the public a chance to show their appreciation. So, if you have received excellent care, service with a smile, kindness and understanding or exceptional service from one of their people or teams, why not nominate them for the People’s Choice award?

Anyone can make a nomination for Our People’s Choice award until the end of September 2022. All you have to do is tell TSDFT in a few words why you feel a member of staff, or a particular team, deserves to win this award. The judges will shortlist all nominations received and in November you will be able to vote for the winner from the shortlisted finalists.

Liz Davenport, Chief Executive, TSDFT, said: “I am hugely proud of our staff and the work they do to support people in Torbay and South Devon to live well and to care for them when they are ill or in need. The best part of my job is being able to share people’s kind words and positive feedback with our staff, teams and services. I am delighted to launch our new People’s Choice award and to give our communities the opportunity to say a public ‘thank you’ to all those members of staff, in clinical and non-clinical roles, who are doing exceptional work.”

Sir Richard Ibbotson, Chairman, TSDFT, said: “We know that our staff make some outstanding contributions to healthcare every day and this is a wonderful opportunity for patients, carers and the public to help us celebrate their achievements. I have been privileged to be part of a number of award ceremonies over the years and I cannot emphasise how much being nominated for an award means to our staff. Please help us show them that what they do matters to you and your loved ones.”

Ian Currie, Medical Director, TSDFT, said: “It is no secret that healthcare staff have faced exceptional challenges over the past two years. Throughout the pandemic I have continued to be inspired by the remarkable stories of how our staff have gone that extra mile to show they care about our patients, about their colleagues, and about the people of Torbay and South Devon. We need your help to make sure we recognise their achievements so if you’ve received great care or been treated with exceptional kindness and compassion by our staff, whether at home, in hospital or in a community setting, please submit a nomination.”

Deborah Kelly, Chief Nurse, TSDFT, said: “Our People Awards are a wonderful way to show our hardworking staff that we care and to recognise what they do so well, whether it is caring for people with compassion, skill and expertise, providing a clean, welcoming environment or giving great service with a smile. Our People’s Choice award, supports patients, carers, people working in partner agencies and members of the public to show their appreciation – it is a really lovely way of recognising the passion and dedication of our staff.”

Find out how to nominate for TSDFT’s ‘People’s Choice’ award at http://tsdft.uk/awards