The leader of the North West’s NHS has praised the 10 outstanding teams and individuals named as regional champions in the first ever NHS Excellence Awards.

More than 390 nominations, across 10 categories, were submitted in the North West, shining a light on the innovative ways teams across the region are improving care for patients and communities.

The NHS Excellence Awards recognise, celebrate, and share innovative work taking place across health and care and show how local teams, projects and individuals are driving improvements, with the aim of sharing learning and inspiring others to adopt successful approaches in their own areas in our region.

Our regional champions are:

• Digital Innovation award – Digitally Transforming Dialysis – Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• Delivering Value award – Care Closer, Care Smarter: Transforming Mental Health Flow in Greater Manchester – joint submission between Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust NHS Foundation Trust and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
• Improving Health Outcomes award – Let’s Talk Boobs – Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Leadership award – Duncan Craig – We are Survivors
• Neighbourhood Health award – Liverpool Place Population Management – NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB
• Patient involvement and choice award – Neuro Rehabilitation Online Service – East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
• Quality Improvement award – Touch Activated Phlebotomy for Patients with Learning Disabilities – University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
• Sustainable Healthcare award – ECO4 Flex Health Referral Pathways – NHS Greater Manchester ICB
• Valuing Our People award – Your Future Your Way: Breaking Down Barriers to Career Progression – Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Working in partnership – Greater Manchester Urgent Primary Care Alliance – Greater Manchester Urgent Primary Care

The North West 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.

NHS England North West Regional Director, Louise Shepherd said: “Choosing just 10 teams and individuals out of 394 brilliant entries was incredibly difficult as the calibre was so high.

“Those nominated for an award highlight the amazing work and dedication of our staff, organisations, and charities across the North West; they go above and beyond for our patients.

“Our Regional Champions will now go forward and represent our region, and I wish them all the best of luck in the national judging stage. I will be rooting for them on the day.”

Regional champions from across England will now form the shortlist from which national winners will be selected. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at NHS Confed Expo in Manchester in June 2026. 

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