THE hunt is on once again to find the heroes who work at the busiest hospital trust in Sussex.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust is holding its sixth annual Hospital Star Awards and needs help from people across the county to find the winners for each category.

Hundreds of nominations for the various categories were received last year and organisers hope this year will be even bigger and better than before.

The 2015 awards recognise the efforts of all frontline and behind the scenes workers at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton.

It also includes Princess Royal Hospital and Hurstwood Park in Haywards Heath.

Patients, families, residents and hospital staff are invited to send in their nominations.

Categories have changed this year to focus on personal and professional values and behaviour rather than on the jobs people do.

This means patients have more flexibility when nominating staff, recognising them for the treatment, care or service they received.

This can range from those who have been particularly impressed with the exceptional care a nurse, doctor or midwife provided to someone in hospital or a receptionist who has gone out of their way to help.

It could also be someone who brightens up the day, shows extraordinary kindness or is an unsung hero.

Other categories include compassionate communication, outstanding teamwork, motivational leader, innovation and excellence, inspirational role model/educator, championing change and commitment to safety.

A special award will also be presented by trust chief executive Matthew Kershaw.

He said: “It is so important that we make the time to recognise what a positive difference our staff make and this event is a real celebration of everything that is good about our hospitals and the people who work in them.”

The evening award ceremony will be held at Brighton's Corn Exchange on November 17.

To nominate visit www.bsuh.nhs.uk.

People can fill in the nomination form online and email it to communications@bsuh.nhs.uk or print it off and post it to Communications Team (Hospital Star Awards), Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Headquarters, first floor, St Mary’s Hall, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5JJ.