After  a year of such good performances for our patients - and  against such challenging conditions - it may just be the year for us to make our our mark on the HSJ Awards 2017.

Back in 2010 we were HSJ's Acute Trust of the Year and it's time we were back centre stage - and this past year is no better time.

See below the categories and how to enter and if you're in doubt, here's Chief Operating Officer Helen Barker's take on it.

"This is a great opportunity to reflect on some of the great work you have been doing this year, on top of the Celebrating Success projects. This is a real opportunity to share this fantastic work more widely and I’d really encourage you to submit applications."

The HSJ Awards are back for 2017.

Now in their 36th year, the most sought after accolade in British healthcare recognises, celebrates and promotes the finest achievements in NHS, and showcases them to the service’s most influential leaders. With 22 categories to choose from this year, the awards reflect the full spectrum of the NHS’s services and challenges.

This year, like every other, the challenges facing the service become fiercer. Following the Carter review, there is more emphasis on efficiency than ever before, while staff retention and motivation has become ever more demanding. Pair these challenges with that of delivering better quality of care on a tightened budget and developing new care models and the example set by the HSJ Awards is more important than ever.

Every year, HSJ Awards winners tell us that the recognition has given a huge boost to their teams and organisations. They say it has enhanced their projects, raised morale and helped with securing backing and finance. The awards highlight examples of outstanding practice and innovation that help to safeguard and improve patient care. They inspire other organisations up and down the country like no other event.

The HSJ Awards will return to the Intercontinental O2 for the second year which will showcase the excellence of entries to even greater better affect and maximise the impact of the awards and its winners, including a smoother entry process.

For a full category listing visit HSJ Awards categories

The deadline for your submission is 18th July 2017. We look forward to hearing why 2017 is your year.

Chief Operating Officer Helen Barker...