Amid the gloom surrounding the NHS , from bed shortages to missed waiting time targets, the amazing job done by so much of its workforce too often gets forgotten.
The people of Hounslow and Richmond have been asked to put that right by voting for their health heroes to receive the recognition they deserve.
Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH) NHS Trust, which employs some 1,000 people across the two boroughs, wants you to choose the Outstanding Employee of the Year in its 2016 Staff Awards.
Whether it is through their diligence, commitment or compassion, nominees should embody the principles which continue to make the public health service one of Britain's proudest achievements.
Stephen Swords, Chairman for Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "Our staff awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams who provide vital community health services for local people across Hounslow and Richmond.
'Tell us about staff who have gone the extra mile'
"We want to make sure our most caring, committed and hard-working staff receive the recognition they deserve – so it is important that patients and local people tell us about their experiences of our staff who have gone the extra mile for them."
The trust employs the majority of NHS workers operating in the community outside of hospitals and GP surgeries - including district nurses, health visitors and physiotherapists.
Its staff also treat patients in the Urgent Care Centre at West Middlesex Hospital and the Walk in Centre at Teddington Memorial Hospital.
Patients, their families and anyone else living in Hounslow or Richmond can nominate a member of staff via the trust's website.
The deadline for nominations is Thursday, October 6, and the winners will be announced at the Staff Awards ceremony on November 3.
