Newham residents impressed at the treatment they have received from health staff can now nominate them as NHS heroes.

From now until mid-September, anyone working for the NHS who is nominated by members of the public, patients or colleagues as going the extra mile in their work will receive a recognition certificate.

Senior NHS figures are expecting staff across England to be honoured in celebration events all over the country.

The Secretary of State, Andrew Lansley said he hoped patients and their families would take full advantage of the chance to thank all those who make the NHS great.

He said: “Staff across the NHS in England carry out fantastic work every day - going the extra mile to make a real difference to people’s lives. The NHS Heroes scheme is a chance for everyone to formally recognise these staff and thank them for their hard work, passion and dedication.

NHS Heroes is also backed by NHS Chief Executive Sir David Nicholson. He said: “We know that NHS patients and their families remember, often for the rest of their lives, the little kindnesses and extra effort of the people who cared for them when they were ill.

“In turn, those people delivering front-line care are supported by an army of behind-the-scenes workers whose own dedication and commitment keeps the NHS running smoothly. So I hope that NHS staff also get involved, and nominate those people who support them at work to give world-class NHS care.”

Coronation Street’s Debbie Rush, who plays Anna Windass, stars in a video launching NHS Heroes, alongside NHS staff and patients. She said: “I’m nominating my NHS Hero to recognise the fact that they always go that extra mile in everything that they do. It’s a great way to say thank you.”

To nominate your NHS Hero, go to www.nhsheroes.com