Have you, or somebody you know been treated at Medway Maritime Hospital and want to say a special thank you to a member of staff or volunteer.

The Medway Messenger has once again teamed up with Medway NHS Foundation Trust to launch a readers' Hospital Hero award.

We want to hear from anyone who feels that somebody at the hospital has gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver outstanding care.

Time and time again, we hear of staff working tirelessly to provide the best care they can for patients in the face of a huge amount of pressure and increased demand.

Now is the time to give them their moment in the spotlight - from doctors and nurses to support staff, gardeners, porters and volunteers.

Lesley Dwyer, trust chief executive, said: "Our staff work incredibly hard to provide high quality care for our community, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Knowing it has made a difference to an individual patient and their family is hugely rewarding. That's what makes working for the NHS so special even when the going gets tough

"It really does mean a lot when their dedication is recognised by our patients so I would like to thank everyone who takes time to make a nomination."

Include a short description of why you think they deserve the award and what department they work in, as well as your contact details. The closing date for nominations is Friday June 15.

The winner will be announced at Medway NHS Foundation Trust's annual awards night the "Best of People Awards" later this year.

A mum of two who has worked at Medway Maritime Hospital for 20 years was named the Hospital Hero winner on Friday.

Lorraine Bennison, from Chatham, started working at the hospital in Windmill Road, as a play leader in paediatrics.

The 41-year-old now works as a clinical sister in the same department.

Mrs Bennison was presented with her award by Medway Messenger editor Matt Ramsden at the trust’s annual awards evening at Priestfield Stadium.

The Hospital Hero accolade is part if the awards each year and gives Messenger readers the chance to nominate a staff member or volunteer who they think deserves a special thank you.

Messenger reader Charlene Birch, from Chatham, put forward Mrs Bennison. Her son Mason, 11 months, had hernia surgery when he was seven-months-old, but went into septic shock. He was put in an induced coma and was on a ventilator.

Mason was transferred to King’s College Hospital in London and Mrs Birch, 32, said Mrs Bennison went above and beyond to help her.

The mum of six said: “When he was being prepped for transfer she kept me calm. If it wasn’t for her I don’t think I would have got through.

“Lorraine went above and beyond her duty of care to make me feel at ease and supported me during the worse times. She is one amazing lady.”

Mrs Bennison said: “I’d like to say thank you to Mrs Birch for nominating me. It’s lovely and very humbling to be nominated, never mind win.

“I was just doing my job. I didn’t do anything different that day then I would have done any other day.”

At the awards ceremony Rima Chatrath was named best apprentice, Sue Lein was given the best employee award, the MDT co-ordination and admin teams were named best supporting service and endoscopy were given the best team award.

The prize for best innovation was given to Niksha Patel and Phil Davidson was named best volunteer.

To nominate somebody for the 2018 award,email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk, with the subject heading Hospital Hero or write to Hospital Hero, Medway Messenger, Medway House, Ginsbury Close, Sir Thomas Longley Road, Medway City Estate, Strood, Kent ME2 4DU.