HEALTH and care workers have been on the front lines of the fight against Covid-19 for a year.

A year that has seen the world turned upside down for us all.

But through the upheaval and discomfort we may have been feeling, their determination and kindness have been constant.

In a bid to recognise their efforts, your County Gazette is proud to today launch the Health and Social Care Awards.

We are soon to unveil a string of categories to which you can nominate your health heroes.

From care home workers to GP practices and intensive care nurses, we want to put the spotlight on those who so often remain in the background, simply doing their remarkable jobs day in, day out.

Gazette editor, Paul Jones, said: “As the son of a nurse, who later became a midwife and a health visitor, the caring professions have been a constant in my life - and remain close to my heart.

“So I am delighted that we can today unveil our Health and Social Care Awards.

“Unfortunately, we can only currently plan a virtual event, but I hope that won’t stop people from nominating some of our amazing health heroes - and give them a great time on the night.

“The past 12 months have been so hard for all of us, but nowhere has the guiding light of hope been stronger than among those keeping us safe and working so hard to care for us when we need them.”

Details of all categories and how you can submit nominations will be published next week - and will also be available online at www.countygazette.co.uk/healthawards.

  • Organisations interested in sponsorship opportunities for the County Gazette Health and Social Care Awards should contact John Cumpston, Sales Director, on 01823 365030.

Somerset County Gazette: HEALTH HEROES: Staff at Musgrove Park Hospital during the first lockdown
HEALTH HEROES: Staff at Musgrove Park Hospital during the first lockdown