THE Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards 2020 are going digital!

Our eagerly awaited gala dinner, which has become one of the highlights of the industry's year, has sadly had to be cancelled because of lockdown restrictions.

But we have come up with a virtual format for the event that we our sponsors, nominees and guests are going to love.

We have been working with our publishing industry colleagues at USA Today to adapt an exciting video events format for use in Herefordshire.

It will allow us to broadcast the awards live, capturing in real time all the glitz and excitement that has made them such a success.

A celebrity host will announce the category winners, and because we will no longer be restricted by the size of a physical venue we expect the event to be watched by a huge audience.

We were absolutely determined to ensure the health and social care awards went ahead this year.

Firstly, because we know from past event just how many hard-working, dedicated and inspiring people work in the sector in Herefordshire – and how much these unsung heroes deserve their moment in the spotlight and a chance for us to thank them publicly.

And secondly because this year, more than any other year in most people's lifetime, has illustrated the huge debt of gratitude we own our health and social care workers.

Many have faced painful separations from their loved ones and put their own safety at risk to care for others as coronavirus cast its dark shadow over the county.

Now we get the opportunity to show our appreciation. It will be, for sure, a profoundly emotional event.

Nominations for the awards remain. To nominate a person or team who deserves recognition visit www.herefordtimes.com/awardshealthandsocialcare

There are 12 categories – including Health Care Team, Good Nurse, Dementia Carer, and GP Practice of the Year – so tell us about the heroes who have really made a difference... even though they say they are "only just doing their job".

We will be announcing more details soon about our dazzling new event, which will be broadcast on Thursday, October 22, 2020.