Search for a hero

Whether it is community nurses visiting people in their homes, GPs treating people in their surgeries, ambulance staff transporting the sick and injured or surgeons carrying out life-changing and life-saving operations, their efforts make a huge difference to people's lives.

As a nation, it is sometimes easy to take them for granted so used are we to a service which is always there when we need it, often at moments of crisis.

This week, the Yorkshire Post has been showcasing the work of five NHS heroes whose efforts typify the dedication across the region's health and social care services.

All of the shortlisted staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide outstanding services and their efforts have impacted on countless numbers of patients, as well as inspiring colleagues to match their standards.

Readers can now vote for the outstanding candidate most deserving of the title Yorkshire Post NHS Health and Social Care Hero of the Year. The winner will be a special public servant, but all those selfless workers throughout the NHS deserve our thanks and praise.