PATIENTS and families are being given the chance to say a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, porters, receptionists and hospital teams who made a difference when they needed it most.

Nominations have opened for the Patient Experience Award as part of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Staff Awards 2026, with members of the public invited to recognise staff who have gone above and beyond in caring for patients.

The award celebrates individuals or teams at Salisbury District Hospital who have made a lasting impact, whether through exceptional care, outstanding kindness, innovative ideas or improvements to patient services.

The annual awards shine a spotlight on the people working behind the scenes and on the frontline who help thousands of patients every year.

This year’s ceremony will take place in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral in September.

Hospital bosses said public nominations are a vital part of the awards, giving patients the opportunity to recognise moments of care and compassion that often go unnoticed.

Managing director at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Nick Johnson said: “We know this has been a challenging time for the NHS, with continued pressures on our services.

“Despite this, our teams continue to put patients at the heart of everything they do, delivering outstanding care with compassion and kindness every day.

“Hearing from our patients and communities is incredibly important – your nominations help us celebrate those who make a real difference and inspire us to keep improving the care we provide.”

For many patients, it could be the nurse who offered reassurance during a difficult diagnosis, the healthcare assistant who went the extra mile or an entire ward team that provided exceptional support during a hospital stay.

Nominations close on July 8 with winners due to be announced at a special awards evening on September 10. The event is supported by Salisbury Hospital charity, the Stars Appeal.

Nick added: “We hope to create an awards event that truly acknowledges the incredible work and unwavering dedication our staff have shown over the past year.”

Anyone wishing to nominate a member of staff or team can do so through the hospital’s awards website: https://www.salisbury.nhs.uk/about-us/staff-awards-nomination-form/