THE hunt to find Southampton’s unsung hospital hero is now on.

Today, the Daily Echo has launched its annual campaign to find Southampton's 2020 hospital hero.

Whether they are a nurse providing life saving treatment and unconditional support, a midwife bringing a newborn baby into the world, or a dedicated volunteer putting a smile on patients' faces everyday – they are all champions in their own right.

Now we are urging readers to nominate these dedicated people to receive the ultimate recognition.

We have teamed up with University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust for the 13th year to search for a new star to clinch a coveted title in the trust’s Hospital Heroes Awards.

The Daily Echo’s Reader’s Choice Award will be presented to an individuals who our readers feel have gone the the extra mile to provide support to people.

Last year, the Daily Echo Readers' Choice Award was won jointly by Dr Shelley Haynes, 44, and Dr Neelam Gupta, 43, who work at the Princess Anne Hospital.

Shelley and Neelam were nominated by new dad, Matthew Watts after they cared for his partner Amanda Venters and their son Charlie after they both faced life threatening conditions when Charlie was born via an emergency caesarean in November.

After receiving the award Neelam said: "I feel very humbled and it is a joy to see Charlie doing so well."

Shelley added: "To receive this award is amazing as there are so many amazing people in this room."

Nominations are now open for the 202 Hospital Heroes Awards.

To nominate, email emily.liddell@dailyecho.co.uk, or write to Emily Liddell, Daily Echo, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.

Please include your full name and a contact number, as well as the name of the staff member you would like to nominate, where they work and why you think they should be this years Hospital Hero.

The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 5, at 4.30pm at St Mary's Stadium.