VOTING is now underway for the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital’s new People’s Choice Awards. Everyone is eligible to vote so the Trust needs your help to decide this year’s winners.

The People’s Choice Awards shine a light on members of staff who embody the qualities that make the RD and E extra special: care and compassion, team work and continuous improvement.

The 12 finalists deliver this in bucket loads, with stories of extraordinary personal effort, deep empathy and understanding, and incredible ingenuity, innovation and collaboration.

Finalists come from a range of different staff groups including people involved in managing our buildings and estate, to healthcare assistants, physios, nurses and consultants. Everyone nominated will receive a letter of thanks from the Trust’s Chief Executive.

James Brent, Chairman at the RD and E said: “We have thousands of amazing staff at the RD and E who go above and beyond every day to provide the best possible care for patients, both clinically and in support services.

“More than 150 award nominations were received, reflecting the extraordinary work that takes place here, with each nomination compelling and commendable in its own right.

“Our Staff and Governor Awards Panel had the unenviable task of shortlisting and now it’s open to everyone else to decide who wins.”

Winners will be announced at the RD and E’s Extraordinary People Celebration, supported by corporate sponsors, on June 27 and communicated publicly shortly afterwards.

These awards are part of the Trust’s successful “Extraordinary People” award and recognition scheme.

James Brent added: “This is a wonderful way in which colleagues, patients, visitors and members of the public can get involved in recognising and celebrating our fabulous staff and share some of the remarkable stories that take place here.

“Recognising staff is vitally important because it helps underpin the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care.”

Those who wish to take part may only vote for one person in each of the four categories and submit one voting slip/online entry per person.

Voting takes just a few minutes. To cast your vote, please visit: www.surveymonkey.com/r/rde-peoples-vote .

Voting ends on June 7.