Not all superheroes wear capes - some wear uniforms and work in our local hospitals.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT), which runs Peterborough City Hospital, Stamford & Rutland Hospital and Hitchingbrooke Hospital, is asking people to nominate their own health hero to receive an award.

Plans for the Trust's annual Outstanding Achievement Awards have just been launched for this year, with a ceremony taking place against the stunning backdrop of Peterborough Cathedral in July.

Dozens of staff will be honoured in their respective fields – but the Health Hero award is the only one which is voted for by the public.

Health Hero 2025 – Annie Kavanagh, upper gastroenterology clinical nurse specialist at Peterborough City Hospital, was presented with the coveted award at the Trust’s annual Outstanding Achievement Awards last year.

placeholder image — Health Hero 2025 – Annie Kavanagh, upper gastroenterology clinical nurse specialist at Peterborough City Hospital, was presented with the coveted award at the Trust’s annual Outstanding Achievement Awards last year.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “For many, coming into hospital can be a daunting experience, either as a patient or to support a loved one. But whatever the reason for your visit to one of our hospitals, we hope that the experience has been made better by a member of staff who has gone the extra mile.

“Whether it is an outpatient appointment, diagnostic scan, therapy visit or inpatient stay, the Trust wants to hear from you - so that it can ensure the staff who have acted over and above can be recognised for their exemplary service.”

The Health Hero category recognises individuals or teams who have demonstrated high-quality clinical care and/or compassion or kindness to patients and their loved ones, or to the public generally. The award is also open to non-clinical or administrative staff who nominators feel have provided great care or support.

The nomination should demonstrate at least one of the following:

• They are kind and compassionate.

• They treat people equally and with dignity and respect.

• They give patients time, respect and independence.

• They are good communicators.

• They involve patients in their treatment decisions and choices.

• They are sensitive to the needs of others.

Hannah Coffey, Chief Executive of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our staff take a great deal of pride in caring for patients and their loved ones, and for them to be nominated by a patient, a patient's family member or a carer is a really special accolade that means so much. We love to shine a light on our Health Heroes every year and so I would encourage patients from the last 12 months to share their stories with us.”

The deadline for nominations is April 15. Nominate your Health Hero here.