A CHAPLAIN and a human resources manager working at the organisation running Worcestershire's three major hospitals have been nominated for national healthcare awards.

Worcestershire Royal Hospital chaplain Rev David Southall has been shortlisted in the innovation category of the Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA) Excellence in Human Resources Management Awards for his 'good news' blog.

Rev Southall's blog at www.revdavidsouthall.com features morale-boosting stories for patients and staff and runs a popular Twitter feed @revdavesouthall, which has 1,529 followers.

He said it was "an honour" to be shortlisted.

"My blog is all about recognising the good work that goes on in our hospitals every day, and creating a positive public forum," he said. "It’s too often you read a negative story about the NHS and I want to encourage people in our communities to share their good news.”

Bev Edgar has also been shortlisted for HR Director of the year following nominations from colleagues at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

She said the success of the trust's human resources team through the pressures of winter was a team effort.

“Our approach to managing temporary medical staff has been a success and sets an example for other trusts," she said.

"We’re under pressure to maintain staffing levels, but it’s important to work efficiently and make sure we’re not overspending.

"This HR/Locum coordinator project has had an impact on all our clinical areas.

"We’re proud to have been shortlisted for this national award and being shortlisted for HR director of the year is indeed a great honour.

"I can only attribute success to a fantastic team who work tirelessly to offer the best HR service.

"They are always ready to take on a new challenge.”

The trust’s human resources team has also been shortlisted for an award for best contribution to organisational change for its work managing temporary staff.

The winners will be announced on Thursday, June 26.