Patient's Choice Award voting

Synopsis
Lauren Penny of Maghull has nominated Helena, who helped her to cope with overwhelming grief at the loss of her baby son Joseph. In a poignant tribute, Lauren says: ‘Now when I look back, I honestly don't know how I got through that devastated time - and that is where Helena comes into it. She visited me often and I would sit and sob to her. She will never understand how grateful I truly am, and I honestly believe that if it wasn't for Helena, I would not be here today. She got me through a heart breaking time. She is one special lady.’

View nomination by Lauren Penny, Maghull

Synopsis
Margo has been nominated by two mothers, including Mrs Bernie Drayne, whose daughter, Roma has had three complex operations to correct problems with her spine over the last 10 years. Following each procedure, Roma had to wear a ‘halo’ for nine months, attached to her skull with pins, which created enormous difficulties in trying to care for her. Bernie says: ‘Margo came up with practical inventions that really helped Roma’s comfort and we really loved her sense of humour. She was always able to lift Roma's spirits and ours.

View nomination by Vivien Jess, Lisburn
View nomination by Bernie Drayne, Lisburn

Synopsis
Nominated by Jennifer Price of East Grinstead, Margaret Haywood was found guilty of misconduct and removed from the register by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in April this year, following her undercover filming for a BBC Panorama documentary, screened in July 2005. Jennifer says: ‘Mrs Haywood felt so strongly about the standards of care she was witnessing to put her job on the line…Maybe her decision to approach Panorama was questionable, but no one can deny that it was probably the most effective way to instigate change, which would immediately benefit patients. In nominating Mrs Haywood, I would like to help send the message to the NMC that they are out of touch with the wishes of the public they deem to protect.’

View nomination by James Crookes, Gloucester
View nomination by Jennifer Price, East Grinstead

Synopsis
Kate is nominated by Mrs Annabel Alcock of Bristol, whose husband was diagnosed with dementia in March 2008. ‘Obviously this was a very difficult time for me and right from the start Kate took charge, and guided me through the steps I should take to ensure my husband received the help to which he was entitled,’ says Annabel. ‘I feel that the help, advice and caring she showed to myself and my husband for nearly a year were exceptional. I do not believe I would have been able to cope without her and could have ended up needing nursing myself.’

View nomination by Annabel Alcock, Bristol

Synopsis
Acosia is nominated by three patients, including Bamidele Esuola, who says: ‘Acosia has been the kindest person I have ever known and the best care co-ordinator that I have ever had… She helped me, she persevered with me and stood by me, despite all the challenges that I posed. I used to be sectioned every four to six months and since she took over my care, I am spending my third year without hospital admissions. I have completed a university programme and various life skills, thanks to Acosia. Acosia is a rare gem of a nurse and I believe that she deserves to be recognised.’

View nomination by Kingsley Kumsah, London
View nomination by Lymore Thompson, London
View nomination by Bamidele Esuola, London