Published: 28/08/2003, Volume II3, No. 5870 Page 8 9

Entries to this year's HSJ Awards have beaten the previous record - by more than 100 per cent.

The huge flood of entries promise to make the awards night on 13 October the most significant celebration of healthcare innovation in recent memory.

Last year, entries to the awards peaked at 386 - narrowly beating the previous record set a year before. But the final count this year was a massive 824. Two of the 14 categories attracted over 100 entries each.

The 44-strong panel of judges now has the considerable task of deciding which entries are strong enough to reach the final shortlist.

Those entries that do make the cut will be invited to give presentations to the judges in early September.

The winners will be announced at the awards dinner at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 13 October, with the finest of the entries receiving the prime minister's award for excellence in healthcare management.

lTo book a table at the awards night, please contact Chloe Smith on 020-7874 0307.