With strains on hospitals and A&E departments in west London well documented, Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is hoping to highlight the outstanding work of members of staff during its award ceremony.

Patients at either hospital have two days to cast their vote in the Compassionate Care category which is open to individuals and teams.

If there are any members of staff or teams who have really stuck out in their care, make sure you get your vote in before polls close at 5pm on Friday (February 24).

A spokesman for the trust said: “These annual awards are a really good way for everyone to recognise people who go the extra mile to deliver compassionate care, as well as being a celebration of the dedicated health service staff who serve our community.

“We hope everyone who has received such care will take a moment to nominate a deserving individual.”

There are six categories altogether, including Quality and Innovation, Outstanding Demonstration of CARES Values, Outstanding Teamwork, Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Chief Executive's Award.

The ceremony itself will be held on Friday, May 5 at a hotel in Heathrow where outstanding staff will be recognised for their hard work during tough times.

Getwestlondon has reported that Hillingdon Hospital is experiencing the "highest demand for services in its history" as bed occupancy is the worst in the area.

NHS figures revealed earlier this month that there were 30 days in December and January with no bed space at all.

But despite these strains, members of staff have continued to stand out in the challenging environment.

West Drayton parents Shannon and Billy Fitzgerald told of their experience after an eagle-eyed midwife spotted a tiny detail that may have saved their son's life.

Stella Milanian noticed that their son Paddy had unusual blue marks on the beds of his fingernails.

Paddy was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and underwent open heart surgery at just six-days-old.

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The family praised the midwife for possibly saving their son's life.

To cast your vote:

Post: Staff Awards, the Furze, Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon UB8 3NN.

Email. Thh-tr.staffawards@NHS.net .

Online: by clicking here.

Or in person: Main reception at Hillingdon and Mount Vernon hospitals. Applications available at reception.

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