Today is the day the winners of the inaugural Swindon & Wiltshire Health & Care Awards will finally be revealed.

The winners in each of the 12 categories will be crowned at a virtual awards ceremony presented by TV’s Dr Hilary Jones and livestreamed on the Swindon Advertiser’s Facebook page tonight from 7pm. You can also tune in to watch it on the Gazette & Herald and Wiltshire Times Facebook pages too.

The judging panel will also announce who was deemed worthy of the overall Outstanding Achievement Award in an event backed by partners Wasdell Group.

Pete Gavan, editor of the Swindon Advertiser, Gazette & Herald and Wiltshire Times, said: “Tonight is the night we finally announce the winners of the first Swindon & Wiltshire Health & Care Awards. We have recorded special video profiles of each of the finalists and we’re really looking forward to sharing their incredible stories and extraordinary achievements with readers.

“Whatever the outcome tonight, we really want to thank all our finalists for their dedication, kindness and bravery in the midst of this terrible pandemic. Every one of them has made a huge difference in the life of others and we want them to know that their efforts and devotion haven’t gone unnoticed.”

He added: “I would also like to thank all the members of the community who have taken the time to nominate these unsung heroes. Attending the ceremony is free and there is no limit to the number of people who can attend, so please do join us tonight.”

Each week since the finalists were announced, we have been highlighting the finalists in each category. This week it’s the turn of the final three in the Healthcare Team, GP Practice of the Year and Care Home Worker categories. Here’s a quick reminder for you...

Sharon Edney, Manager of Wellhead Lane Care Home in Westbury, was nominated for the Care Home Worker Award. Sharon said: “I am a Proprietor, Director, Registered Manager and a ‘carer’. I was surprised to be nominated for something that I believe should be a given as I feel all Senior Managers in the care profession should be ‘carers’ at heart, but, it put a lovely smile on my face.”

She was nominated by Pauline McSheffrey, who said: “Sharon has supported her staff, the residents and their parents through this pandemic. She has always put others’ needs first.”

Regan Homer, of The Firs Home Care, and Emily Webb, of Voyage Care, were also nominated in this category.

Emily said: “I feel very grateful for being nominated for this special award.

“The past year has been incredibly challenging for not only myself but for the people we support and my team also. I am privileged to be surrounded by inspirational colleagues and work for such a supportive company, Voyage Care.”

In the running for Health Care Team of the Year are the Intensive Care Unit at the GWH, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Emergency Department at GWH.

A spokesman for the Air Ambulance said: “It’s been a hugely challenging year for Wiltshire Air Ambulance operating on the front line during a pandemic, so we’re very proud but also humbled to be shortlisted for Team of the Year at the Health & Social Care Awards.”

And last but not least, many people came forward to nominate their local doctors’ surgery for the GP Practice of the Year Award and the three finalists are Abbey Meads and Moredon, Merchiston Surgery, and Rowden Hill Surgery.

Franki Halliwell, of Rowden Hill in Chippenham, said: “We’re so excited to hear we’ve been shortlisted! The team at Rowden has worked so hard to make sure we’re looking after our patients (and each other!) and it’s so heartwarming to see the teams hard work be recognised!”