The award, for hospital staff, is an opportunity for patients, or their family and carers to say a big "thank you" to the staff who have cared for and treated them over the past year.

Nominations will be short listed by a panel of judges chaired by the hospital trust chairman.

The readers of the Observer then have the opportunity in June to vote for the winner.

The successful individual or team will be presented with their award at an Awards Ceremony on July 3 at the Postgraduate Centre, at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Irene Dibben, acting chairman of East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We want to encourage as many patients, relatives and carers as possible to nominate staff who have provided them with excellent care and treatment.

"It's a great way to say thank you and well done to staff.

"The notable thing about the awards is that every nominated member of staff gets to see what has been written about them on the nomination form.

"It really gives staff an enormous lift and makes them feel valued and appreciated even if they don't win an actual award.

"So go on, make someone's day and nominate them for an award."

Nomination forms can be obtained from any of the Trust's hospitals and clinics or by completing the coupon in the paper.

Alternatively nominations can also be made via the Trust website at: www.esht.nhs.uk/awards.

Nomination forms should be returned by noon on May 5 to Trish Richardson, Chief Executive's office at the Conquest Hospital.