‘Groundbreaking’ NHS teams in the North East and Yorkshire, who have freed up thousands of hospital beds, supported hundreds of thousands of health and social care staff, and transformed end-of-life care in general practice, have swept the inaugural 2026 NHS Excellence Awards by winning almost a third of all titles up for grabs. 

Held today at NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester, the awards celebrated some of the most innovative and impactful healthcare initiatives from across England, showcasing how frontline staff are delivering better outcomes for patients while helping the NHS meet growing demand.

The Quality Improvement Award was won by Holderness Health’s Gold Team, which transformed palliative care by improving patient identification and continuity. With call waits under a minute, they created a more connected and compassionate service, ensuring patients receive timely support when it matters most.

The Working in Partnership Award went to the Marie Curie REACT team in Bradford, who, by identifying patients in crisis at the Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and providing rapid community support, reduced average hospital stays from 38 to 17 days. They saved over 20,000 bed days and ensured patients received compassionate end-of-life support in the comfort of their own communities and familiar surroundings.

The Valuing Our People Award recognised the North East and North Cumbria Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, delivered by the North East and North Cumbria ICB and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. It improved wellbeing, reduced anxiety and depression, and helped staff stay in or return to work, setting a practical model for workforce wellbeing.

Run by and for the NHS, the Excellence Awards shine a light on local people and teams who are making a real difference to patients and communities, delivering on the ambitions of the 10-Year Health Plan and inspiring others to adopt innovative approaches in their own areas.

Ten regional champions from the North East and Yorkshire region went forward to this week’s awards ceremony – visit NHS Excellence Awards: Meet our Regional Winners.

Dr Hamish McLure, Regional Medical Director for NHS England, North East and Yorkshire (pictured), said the awards recognise initiatives that are delivering measurable improvements for patients, communities and staff, while creating learning that can be shared across the wider NHS.

“Congratulations to the NHS organisations from our region named as national winners in the Excellence Awards at this week’s ConfedExpo conference in Manchester,” Dr McLure said.

“Their work demonstrates how the changes envisioned in the 10-Year Health Plan are being delivered in practice by local people and teams.

“The winners, together with the regional champions, for each of the 10 award categories represent the very best of innovation, collaboration and impact across the health and care system.

“By sharing their learning nationally, these initiatives will support improvement and inspire others to adopt and adapt proven ways of improving access, quality and patient experience across the wider NHS.”

Delivered in partnership with Pfizer Limited, the NHS Excellence Awards mark a new national platform for recognising excellence. The finalists and winners span a diverse range of organisations and partnerships, reflecting the breadth of the NHS.

The 2026 NHS Excellence awards were delivered in partnership with Pfizer, and featured notable attendees at the ceremony, including the NHSE CEO Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Nursing Officer and host, Duncan Burton, and NHS England Chair Penny Dash.

Visit the NHS Excellence Award website for full details of the newly announced 10 national winners.