NOMINATIONS are being sought for an awards scheme that honours health heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Bosses at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) want to hear about any health service employee in Renfrewshire or East Renfrewshire who is making a positive difference to local people.

More than 400 nominations were received for last year’s NHSGGC Excellence Awards.

And among the winners was Catherine McRae, a nurse in the emergency department at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, who was singled out by colleagues for her diligence and care towards patients.

Catherine, who has been a nurse for more than 23 years, was honoured for her willingness to undertake everything that comes her way – from portering to helping resuscitate critically-ill patients.

John Brown, NHSGGC chairman, said this year’s awards are the ideal opportunity for staff, patients and visitors to show their support for the hard work and dedication of staff such as Catherine.

He added: “People in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire have a great track record in nominating their local health heroes and we want this to continue with lots of new nominations for our staff.

“It might be the nurse who cared for your elderly mum while she was seriously ill, the doctor who went the extra mile to get you the latest treatment or even the midwife who gave you the strength to go on after 24 hours in labour.

“They are all special and the Excellence Awards are designed to recognise this.

“It’s not just about doctors and nurses either. It might be the porter who made you smile and helped you through a difficult moment or a play assistant who entertained your child before an operation.

“These are the real people of the NHS and we want to hear why you think they are special.”

There are seven award categories, including Volunteer, Global Citizenship and Better Workplace.

To nominate your local health hero, visit www.nhsggc.org.uk/excellenceawards before the closing date of July 31.