IPSWICH: Heroic staff at Ipswich Hospital are today gearing up for a night of red carpet glamour.

Supported by the Evening Star, the Hospital Staff Awards 2010 are to be held next month at Trinity Park, in Ipswich.

A panel of judges has carefully selected seven winners in the categories of best clinician, team, support colleague, volunteer, change leader, outstanding contribution and the Star’s Patients’ Award – but the results are under tight wraps until the evening.

The Patients’ Award is the only award voted for by the public and it is championed by the Star and our readers.

A list of 60 shortlisted nominees – whittled down from more than 130 nominations – are now getting ready for the ceremony.

One shortlisted nominee is volunteer gardener Jason Jaramillo, who has volunteered at the hospital for a year.

Mr Jaramillo first joined the hospital on a YMCA placement scheme, but returned as a volunteer as he wanted to give something back to the hospital for offering him a placement.

Mr Jaramillo said: “I like to be outdoors, rain or shine, so this job is perfect. I’m not one to sit in an office. I like the fact I’m making a difference by making the hospital look nice for patients and visitors.”

The team, who work on Woodbridge Ward, have been nominated by patient June Klaschka, from Kesgrave.

Mrs Klaschka said: “I spent two periods of three and four weeks over Christmas and New Year in hospital and the Woodbridge staff were exceptional in their care of myself and every other patient.

“I felt safe in their hands and nothing was ever too much trouble. They are truly dedicated.”

This year’s event, on June 9, will include a two-course dinner followed by an awards ceremony, with the theme Celebrating Achievements, Rewarding Excellence.

This will be the fourth annual awards for the hospital.

n Do you want to tell us about a hospital staff member who has had an impact on your life? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.