The search is on to recognise the excellent work of doctors, nurses, midwives and support staff at Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans Hospitals. 

The new monthly Celebrating Excellence Staff Awards is a chance to shine a light on someone who does an incredible job and goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Any of West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust’s 4,500 staff can be nominated, as well as hundreds of volunteers and contractors, such as catering and security teams. 

Nominations can be made online or through a nomination form which can be picked up in the hospitals. 

Nurse Jane Roberts was announced this week as the first winner of a Celebrating Excellence Staff Award.  

She said: "This award means so much to me. I am passionate about my work and, in particular, enjoy working with patients and finding ways in which we can improve the services we provide for them."

Samantha Jones, trust chief executive, said: "Our new award aims to recognise staff whose efforts reflect our six values, which were created by patients and staff to improve our hospitals for everyone.

"I’m delighted to present Jane with the first award, particularly as she has been selected by our Patient’s Panel.

"We'd encourage anyone who has had really good care and who has been particularly impressed by a member of our staff to nominate them for a Celebrating Excellence Staff Award. What better way is there to say thank you?"