ROMSEY MP Caroline Nokes has called for nominations from Southampton and Romsey for those who have made a difference in the National Health Service.

Parliamentary bosses earlier this month launched the NHS70 awards, celebrating 70 years of the service.

Now, Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes has asked residents from the area to come forward with nominations of people in the NHS who have made a difference.

MPs in England are searching for outstanding nominees who have innovated, impressed and made a difference to how the health and care system provides care for patients.

The awards cover ten categories, including a Lifetime Achievement award to honour those who have devoted their lives or careers to making the NHS better for patients and staff.

Caroline said: "The NHS is one of the nation's most loved institutions, and it is right that we take the opportunity of its 70th birthday to recognise and thank the extraordinary people – the everyday 'health and care heroes' – who are there to guide, support and care for us, day in, day out.

"I know there are many examples of excellent care and practice benefitting local people, and I would urge those working with and for health and care organisations in Romsey and Southampton North to send me further examples they think deserve national recognition."

The launch of the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards was attended by Ethel Armstrong MBE, who was working as a nurse cadet on July 5, 1948 – the day the NHS was officially formed.

She worked for more than four decades at various hospitals around the country and now helps retired NHS staff.

Caroline added: "It was lovely to meet Ethel who was one of the very first NHS employees and I was fascinated to hear of her experiences."

Ethel said: "The NHS has changed a great deal, but one thing has stayed the same: the dedication, skill and compassion of those who work in it and support it in other ways.

"The 70th anniversary is an important opportunity to honour those people, past and present, so I welcome Caroline's support for these awards."

The awards include:

Excellence in Mental Health Care

Excellence in Urgent and Emergency Care

Excellence in Primary Care

Person-Centred Care Champion

Future NHS Award

Healthier Communities Award

Care and Compassion Award

Patient and Public Involvement

Lifetime Achievement Award.