Teams and individuals across Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull have been named as regional champions in the first NHS Excellence Awards, recognising work that is improving care for patients and communities.
The NHS Excellence Awards are the only awards run by, and for, the NHS. They recognise, celebrate and share innovative work taking place across health and care.
The awards shine a light on local teams, projects and individuals who are driving improvements, with the aim of sharing learning and inspiring others to adopt successful approaches in their own areas.
In particular, the Black Country ICB involvement team has been recognised as Regional Champions in the Working in Partnership category for the Navigating Our Womanhood Together, or NOWT initiative.
There are also several other projects across our wider system that have been recognised, including:
- Digital innovation: a clinically led transformation of controlled drug management at University Hospitals Birmingham
- Patient involvement and choice: the Little Voices initiative at Walsall Healthcare
- Valuing our people: the #morethanajob campaign at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals
These 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. Full details of all regional champions can be found at NHS England » NHS Excellence Awards
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 ConfedExpo in Manchester in June 2026.
