This year more than any year has seen our brilliant doctors, nurses, porters and all the other staff at Medway Maritime Hospital go above and beyond the call of duty.

So there's even more reason to nominate someone deserving of a special thank you for their dedication, hard work and compassion during the hardest of years.

The Messenger and the Medway NHS Foundation Trust have teamed up again to launch the 2020 Hospital Hero award – voted for by readers and patients across the Towns.

Nominate anyone from the hospital's army of staff who have gone the extra mile to deliver outstanding care.

James Devine, chief executive at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard to provide high quality care for our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"As we are all very much aware, this year has been a year unlike any other, and knowing how our care 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.

"I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to make a nomination.”

To nominate someone please give their name and department they work in, write a short description of why they deserve the award and if possible a picture. The closing date for nominations is September 28.

Email your nominations to communications.medwayft@nhs.net

The winner will be announced during the Trust's annual awards event in October which this year will be held online.

Check online at kentonline.co.uk/medway and www.medway.nhs.uk for further information about nominees and how to vote for your winner.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway