Nominate the NHS’s social media pioneers

This May we will be analysing the way in which social media is changing how the NHS interacts, both internally and externally, its role in helping to shape and influence debate and how social media is even being used as a tool for changing or improving policy and best practice.

Within this, we will be identifying those who are breaking new ground when it comes to using social media, and we want your nominations. We are looking for the people or organisations you feel are using social media tools in new, thoughtful or innovative ways to improve healthcare and shape its future.

We want to celebrate the people or organisations that are embracing the communication potential and added value of social media. It could be those sparking debate and knowledge transfer through their insight or those using social media to support, advise and educate patients and service users, or sourcing information from them to change their service. Alternatively, it could be those developing new forms of engagement; creating networks of professional development; fostering vibrant, interactive communities; or changing how patients and the public interact with the NHS.

A panel of expert judges will decide on the final list, considering factors including the impact and influence of the nominee’s work, to what extent the nominee’s approach has challenged traditional communication attitudes or approaches, and how the nominee is using social media to reach out to, and engage with, new audiences both within the NHS and externally.

The list will appear both online and in print in HSJ and Nursing Times in May.

You can make nominations using the box below – please give the individual’s or organisation’s name, job title and social media site or sites, and a brief description of why you think they are a social media pioneer – or via Twitter using the hashtag #SocialPioneers. The closing date for nominations is 14 April.