Attended by senior leaders in the health sector, including health minister Karin Smyth MP, the awards champion the people who keep healthcare services functioning every day, often behind the scenes.
Spanning roles such as portering, facilities, administration, estates and security, this workforce forms a significant proportion of NHS staff. Their work is essential, yet too often goes unrecognised. Our Health Heroes exists to change that, celebrating the skill, commitment and quiet resilience of those who ensure patients receive safe, effective care at every step of their journey.
This year's winners are as follows:
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by SFJ Awards
- GOLD: Gemma Longhurst, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- SILVER: Ethan Marshall, HMP Featherstone
- BRONZE: Kathryn Robinson, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Best Workforce Collaboration
- WINNER: West Kent Health and Care Partnership WINNER
- HIGHLY COMMENDED: Staffordshire General Practice Nursing Foundation School
Clinical Support Worker of the Year
- GOLD: Gnai Kareema Mathias — University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- SILVER: Chloe Wallingford — Modality Partnership
- BRONZE: Alexander Wheeler — Claire House Children's Hospice
Dedication to Lifelong Learning Culture
- WINNER: Halima Chowe, Wilfred Deley and Sapna Subhash, NHS England
- HIGHLY COMMENDED: Greater Manchester Cancer Academy, Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
Digital Innovation, sponsored by NHS Shared Business Services
- WINNER: Greater Manchester Cancer Academy, Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
- HIGHLY COMMENDED: Learning and Digital Team, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
- WINNER: Gina Barr, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust
- HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sam Howes, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Healthcare Manager of the Year
- GOLD: Jeremias Sion, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
- SILVER: Rianna Wallis, Dewerstone Medical Group
- BRONZE: Fiona Micheli, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Healthcare Volunteer of the Year
- GOLD: Tony Galley, Modality Partnership
- SILVER: Tony Kelly, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- BRONZE: David Layfield, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Operational Support Worker of the Year
- GOLD: Kerry Haughian, Southern Health and Social Care Trust
- SILVER: Kim Ashcroft, Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management
- BRONZE: Chloe McCamphill, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Outstanding Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by NHS Employers
- GOLD: Nyree Gledhill, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
- SILVER: Susan Cook, Surrey Downs Health & Care
- BRONZE: Teresa Mackle, Southern Health and Social Care Trust
To mark a decade of celebrating the incredible people who shape the NHS, this year's Our Health Heroes saw the introduction of the Honorary Health Hero Award.
Presented by Lord Victor Adebowale, this award recognises an individual whose leadership, advocacy and long-standing commitment have made a profound impact on the sector.
Former health secretary Alan Milburn was named as the inaugural Honorary Health Hero Award winner – a testament to his enduring contribution to improving public health in the UK.
Our Health Heroes 2026 is proudly sponsored and supported by NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services, Motorfinity, NHS Race & Health Observatory, iCQ Awards, SFJ Awards and media partner Healthcare Management.
