A London NHS team who reunited parents and newborn babies during the covid pandemic, and those who ensure people’s wishes are respected at the end of life are among the winners of this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards.

The awards, arranged by the NHS, and supported by Fuji Film are designed to recognise and celebrate some of the biggest achievements in health and social care.

London’s MPs sent hundreds of examples of staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty including doctors, support workers and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to make a genuine difference to the people they care for.

Sir David Sloman, Regional Director of the NHS in London, said: “I congratulate London’s NHS staff recognised in this year’s Parliamentary Awards who truly represent the extra lengths taken by staff every day across our city to provide fantastic care. Your commitment and dedication is inspiring. Thank you.”

Teams from North Middlesex University Hospital and London Ambulance Service are among nine other winners announced during a ceremony opened by the Prime Minister at One Great George Street, Westminster, on Wednesday afternoon (7th July).

The neonatal team at North Middlesex University Hospital are awarded winners of the Future NHS category for their innovative use of video calling technology, which safely kept parents connected to babies and clinicians at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheentan Singh, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at North Middlesex University Hospital said: “The bond between a newborn and their family is vital to their development and with visiting restrictions in place, we knew that it was going to be really difficult for families. So I’m really proud we were able to find a way to reunite families quickly and to be recognised for this is a huge boost for the team.”

Bambos Charalambous, Member of Parliament for Enfield Southgate, who nominated the North Middlesex team said: “This is fantastic news for North Mid’s neonatal team and I am thrilled that they have been recognised in Parliament for their service to families in north London.

“Being able to adapt so quickly at the start of the pandemic to help make sure that families could stay connected is a testament to the vital work that the hospital does for our local community.”

London Ambulance service is also recognised for providing training to ensure terminally ill people get compassionate care that respects their wishes, winning the Excellence in Urgent and Emergency Care Award. Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, the team work with hospices and palliative care services to develop new care pathways that prevent a patient at the end of their life needing to be taken to hospital.

Dr John Martin, Chief Paramedic and Quality Officer for London Ambulance Service, said: “The Macmillan End of Life Care Team has given staff the confidence to make decisions that meet the patient’s wishes, which can often be achieved by supporting them and their families at home. I am incredibly proud of them and our Mental Health Team shortlisted in the Excellence in Mental Health Care Award category.”

James Murray MP, one of those who nominated the London Ambulance Service team said: “Over the last year, the London Ambulance Service Macmillan End of Life Care Programme Team have provided crucial support and training to paramedics, under extremely challenging circumstances, to ensure patients receive the best end of life care. This recognition of their difficult and important work is very well deserved.”

The winners have been selected from more than 700 nominations and were judged by a national panel made up of senior leaders representing both staff and patients.

NHS staff were this week awarded the George Cross for 73 years dedicated service and the response to COVID by Her Majesty the Queen.