There are 12 categories, including one which is open to public nominations and backed by the Cambridge Independent newspaper.
The award is called ‘Kindness, compassion and care – The Public Choice Award’ and enables patients, family and friends to nominate an individual or team at CUH who encapsulates the Trust’s values of safe, kind and excellent and made a difference to their lives.
The award is also an opportunity for the public to send a personal message of thanks to staff, with every entry passed on to the nominee(s).
CUH chief executive officer, Roland Sinker, said: “I would like to thank the Cambridge Independent and sister publications for supporting the first ever ‘CUH Annual Awards’ by bringing ‘The Public Choice’ category to the attention of readers”
“The more nominations the newspapers receive and highlight, the more it will remind staff who are working so hard for all of us through the pandemic of just how valued they are for treating and caring for patients from all over East Anglia, and further afield.
“Equally, we hope the category acts as a useful conduit for patients, and others, to share positive and compelling stories at a time which continues to be challenging for the NHS and the communities we serve.”
Paul Brackley, editor of the Cambridge Independent, said: “We are delighted to be supporting these awards and offering patients, families and friends the chance to say thank you to staff at Cambridge University Hospitals. The dedication and compassion that we have seen from those in the NHS during the pandemic has been extraordinary and we look forward to sharing these stories.”
"We are also very pleased that the personal messages from our readers will be passed on to the individuals and teams nominated at CUH, as a thank you for their kindness and care."
Ian Walker, director of corporate affairs and the award sponsor at CUH, added:
“Feedback from patients, carers and members of the public is hugely important to our staff, and never more so than in the past two years.
"If you would like to recognise an individual or a team at Addenbrooke’s, The Rosie or one of our other sites, please take a few minutes to submit a nomination and help to make this Public Choice award a great success.”
A nomination form can be found on the Cambridge Independent’s website from Wednesday 2 February with entries shortlisted in May and the winner(s) announced at a special ceremony in September.
Other awards, which are only open to staff, include ‘Stronger together’ - The team of the year award; Outstanding contribution to patient and or staff safety award; Outstanding contribution to inclusion award; Innovation and advancement in health award; Award for the compassionate colleague; Leadership award – individual.