TIME is running out to nominate an outstanding member of nursing staff for a special award.

There is less than a week left until the deadline for nominations for the 2014 Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Director of Nursing Awards.

The DONA awards recognise the outstanding dedication, care and compassion nursing, midwifery and therapy staff provide to patients.

Nursing, midwifery and therapy staff from all three Hampshire Hospitals sites in Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester can be nominated for a DONA, as well as staff from Alton and Bordon Community Hospitals.

Nominations are welcome from members of the public or patients and are reviewed by a panel of public representatives.

HHFT director of nursing Donna Green said: “It is always heart-warming to read the nominations as they come in, and I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to send a nomination so far.

“We have had almost 200 nominations but there is room for more right up until the deadline.

“All of our staff aim to provide excellent, compassionate care to our patients, and it really does mean a lot to them to have their work recognised.

“This year’s nominations have included a lady who was so impressed by the care from her midwife that her baby has the midwife’s name as her middle name, and there have been several nominations from families who have been touched by the care given at the end of a family member’s life.

“I am so proud to read nominations that talk about positivity, encouragement, dignity and, in some cases, how the care given by a member of staff has changed a patient’s life.”

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 30. To make a nomination, visit hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/dona, email dona@hhft.nhs.uk or pick up a nomination form at Basingstoke hospital.