Nominations are open for the Healthcare IT Champion of the Year, the special category of eHealth Insider’s annual awards decided by EHI’s readers.

The category, which is sponsored by CSC, is intended to recognise individuals who work tirelessly to promote healthcare IT.

That might be through the job that they do, their contribution to education or a professional organisation, or their influence on the healthcare system as a whole.

EHI co-director Linda Davidson said: “We always look forward to seeing nominations for Healthcare IT Champion of the Year, because they show just how much hard work goes into the development of healthcare IT across the country.

“Competition is getting tougher each year, with more people being nominated for what has become an increasingly prestigious award.

“I’m sure that competition will be just as keen this year, and wish everybody who is nominated every success.”

If you would like to nominate somebody for this award, then send an email to Lauren Hoodless naming your champion and saying why they should win.

Support your email with a 300 word statement, clearly outlining the contribution that your nominee has made, and giving specific examples of the change they have inspired.

Nominations for the award will close on 24 May. After that, EHI will approach nominees to see if they are happy for their names to go forward for a popular vote.

For the past three years, there have been so many nominees that two rounds of voting have been held, with those who make it through to the second round joining other EHI Awards finalists at the awards dinner in October.

This year’s event will be held at the prestigious Roundhouse in north London on 10 October.

Last year’s Healthcare IT Champion of the Year was Neil Darvill, the director of St Helens and Knowsley Health Informatics Service, who is a judge for the EHI Awards 2013.

The EHI Awards 2013 are now open for entries. For full details of this year’s categories, judging process and how to submit your entry please visit the dedicated awards website.

This year’s black tie awards dinner will be held at the prestigious Roundhouse in north London on 10 October. For information about sponsorship opportunities contact head of events Neil Hadland. Tickets will also be on sale soon.