THE search is on to find unsung NHS heroes.

Members of the public are being invited to recognise local NHS staff for going the extra mile and making their healthcare experience a more pleasant and positive one.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging anyone who has benefitted from the kindness of its staff to put them forward for the Public Choice Award, which is part of the trust’s annual Celebration of Achievement Awards.

Patients, relatives, visitors and carers can nominate individuals or teams for their hard work and outstanding commitment.

People can put forward the names of staff, wards and departments at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford as well as those who work for Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership out in the community.

Trust chairman Dennis Dunn said: “The whole reason we exist is to serve the people of mid Cheshire and so the Public Choice Award is perhaps the most significant and valuable recognition for a member of our hospitals who has done something exceptional that has been valued.

“We love the involvement and engagement we have with the people we serve and it is special for us to know that they support our dedicated workforce.”

To nominate a member of staff for the Public Choice award visit mcht.nhs.uk/publicchoice and fill out a short form.

Alternatively people can email celebrate@mcht.nhs.uk with your nominee’s name, department (if known) and the reasons for your nomination.

Anyone visiting Leighton Hospital can also fill out a printed nomination form which can be found at various locations and post it in one of the Celebration of Achievement postboxes in the main reception or treatment centre.

The deadline is 5pm on Friday, March 29. The winner will be announced at the trust’s Celebration of Achievement Awards event later in the year.