Ten London teams and individuals have been named as regional champions in the first ever NHS Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding work that is improving care for patients and communities. 

From a digital tracking system transforming patient flow and at one of London’s busiest NHS trusts, to a fellowship honouring the legacy of a pioneering Nigerian nurse, London’s NHS teams are being celebrated for work that is changing lives across the capital. 

The NHS Excellence Awards are the only awards run by, and for, the NHS. They shine a light on innovative teams, projects and individuals, to share learning and inspire others to adopt successful approaches in their own areas. 

Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for the NHS in London, said: “These champions are a reminder of why I’m proud to lead the NHS in London. Together, they embody what team London means: coming together to build an innovative health system that reflects and supports the diverse needs of our capital’s communities. 

“From digital innovation to neighbourhood health, from inspiring leadership to genuine partnership – this is London healthcare at its best.” 

Regional champions have been recognised by regional panels for their innovative and collaborative work in their local areas, highlighting digital projects, quality improvement initiatives and examples of excellent leadership. 

London’s regional champions will now go forward to a national shortlist, and winners will be announced at NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester in June 2026. 

London’s regional champions are: 

• Digital innovation – Barts Health NHS Trust, Real-Time Location System (RTLS) Project: Smart tracking system for hospital equipment 

• Delivering value – London Ambulance Service, Pharmacy Team – Medicines Modernisation Programme: Safer, faster and more efficient medicines management 

• Leadership – West London NHS Trust, Leeanne McGee: Championing staff and patients through major change  

• Neighbourhood health – Evelina London, CHILDS – Child Health Integrated Learning and Delivery System: Bringing children’s health support closer to home  

• Patient involvement and choice – NHS South East London Integrated Care Board, South East London ICB Women’s and Girl’s Health: A one-stop health service designed by women, for women  

• Quality improvement – Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Harrow Psychotropic and Physical Health Clinics: Redesigning mental health clinics around what patients actually need  

• Sustainable healthcare – North West London Integrated Care Board, North West London Sleep Medicine Services & Imperial Health Impact Lab: A greener, fairer way to diagnose sleep disorders at home  

• Valuing our people – Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Kofoworola Abeni Pratt Fellowship: Growing diverse leaders in nursing and allied health  

• Working in partnership – London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Stroke Rehabilitation Programme – NHS and Football Club Foundation Partnership: Stroke recovery in the community, powered by football  

• Improving health outcomes – NHS North East London Cancer Alliance, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Engagement Project: Training community health champions to reduce cancer inequalities