The NHS is one of our nation’s proudest achievements and for over 70 years dedicated NHS staff have been there for us all. Whether they are doctors, pharmacists and nurses on the frontline, world leading scientists, hard-working cleaners, much needed clerical staff, caring porters, or our amazing volunteers, without the NHS staff there wouldn’t be an NHS.

Coronavirus has been a global health emergency on a scale not seen for a century. The NHS, which first opened its doors at Trafford Park Hospital on 5th July 1948, responded swiftly and flexibly to deal with the pandemic but staff – present, past, and future – have had to come together as never before, supported by volunteers and the public.

All our NHS staff, volunteers and society’s carers deserve recognition, but there are many that go above and beyond the call of duty to make the NHS a better service – with hard graft, exciting new ideas and simply by putting patients first.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards was launched in 2018 to celebrate the NHS’ 70 birthday and recognise the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector. Now in its fifth year, the awards have been an overwhelming success with over 450 Members of Parliament, representing constituencies in England, nominating an individual or organisation for an award, almost half of all eligible MPs.

These awards also provide an excellent opportunity for health and care organisations to engage with their local MPs, tell them about the work they do, and build or strengthen ongoing relationships.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards represent a chance for MPs to say thank you once again for all the work done to support the NHS in your constituency. So, we would encourage all MPs representing constituencies in England to get involved and show their local NHS staff, volunteers and carers what the health service means to them and the communities they serve each day.

Nominations open on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 and closes at midnight, Wednesday 6th April 2022.