Entries are now open for the NHS Excellence Awards 2026, a new national programme designed to recognise, celebrate and share the innovative work driving improvements across health and care. These awards highlight the projects and teams that are making a real difference to patients and communities - and is your chance to share the best of the NHS with the rest of the NHS.

Every day, local teams are delivering improvements that drive better outcomes, strengthen services and support better experiences for patients and communities.

Run by and for the NHS, they’re free to enter and open to NHS organisations and providers working in partnership with the NHS to deliver local health and care services in England. There are ten award categories that reflect the priorities of the 10-Year Health Plan – from neighbourhood care and digital innovation, to sustainability, partnership working, quality improvement and more.

Shortlisted regional champions will be announced in mid-April 2026 and national winners celebrated at an awards ceremony at NHS ConfedExpo on 10 June 2026.

Find out more and enter before 5pm Friday 6 March 2026 NHS England » NHS Excellence Awards

It will also be a good opportunity to use your nomination to enter our 2026 CHuFT Awards - nominations open for our annual Awards early next month.