THE Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals are seeking to honour and celebrate deserving members of staff who work tirelessly to improve patient experience.

The 2015 Pride Awards, organised by the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, aims to put the spotlight on its most dedicated staff and community champions.

Nominations can be made by hospital staff and members of the public by midday on Friday, July 10. There are eight different categories - an award for patient experience, award for teamwork, learning and development award, award for improving quality, inspirational leadership award, community and charity award, award for improving patient safety, behind the scenes award, unsung hero award and the chairman's award for living our values.

The Daily Echo is sponsoring the Unsung Hero Award. This award is for staff who have been nominated by members of the public and nominations must show how the individual or team goes above and beyond to support the hospitals and patients.

Daily Echo acting editor Andy Martin said: "We are proud to be supporting the Pride Awards and highlighting the achievements of hard-working hospital staff.

"We know there are many people in the NHS who go the extra mile on a daily basis and this is a chance for them to be publicly recognised and congratulated for their efforts."

Once the deadline for nominations has passed, an initial judging panel will select a shortlist and a second panel, consisting of governors and staff from all hospital departments, will select the winner.

All shortlisted individuals will be invited to a black tie ceremony at Poole Lighthouse on November 12, when the winners will be announced.