Nominations for the Team QEH Awards 2026 are now officially open.
The awards are an opportunity to honour the dedication and outstanding care delivered by the staff and teams within The QEH.
Leanne Howling, who started her career as a housekeeper on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is now a staff nurse on the NICU unit caring for some of the most vulnerable patients in hospital, was recognised in last year’s awards.
The awards also celebrate those that work in a more behind the scenes, yet critical, role with dedicated awards for support staff and services. Winners of the Non-Clinical Team of the Year award last year was The QEH Catering team for their constant to drive to feed our patients and staff healthy, balanced meals. The team were overjoyed on the night to receive this recognition.
Michelle Arrowsmith, Executive Managing Director at The QEH, said: “The Team QEH Awards celebrate high quality care and compassion that can be seen across all areas of the hospital. These awards are an opportunity for the local community to tell staff how they make a difference and shine a light on our stars. I’d urge anyone that wants to let us know about the care they have received to help us honour the dedication of our staff.
“These awards are a chance for us to celebrate our unsung heroes and teams that are there when members of the public need us most. From welcoming a new life, providing dignity in someone’s last moments of life or being there when they need emergency life-saving care.”
This is your chance to say thank you and give back to those who have made a meaningful impact on your healthcare experience.
Step forward and tell us who your healthcare heroes are, so we can come together to celebrate them.
Every year the glittering awards ceremony shines a light on the individuals and teams who have shown extraordinary care, support and kindness.
You can submit your nominations here
This year, we have 13 categories open for public nominations designed to celebrate teams and individuals alike. The categories are:
• Exceptional Quality of Care
• Clinical Team of the Year
• Non-Clinical Team of the Year
• Rising Star Award
• Leader of the Year
• Research and Innovation Award
• Kindness Award
• Wellness Award
• Fairness Award
• ‘John Voaden’ Volunteer of the Year
• Unsung Hero
• Clinical Hero
• Working Together Award
All nominations are seen by a panel of judges with finalists being invited along to a special awards ceremony on 6 October.
The ‘John Voaden’ Volunteer of the Year Award finalists will be put to public vote to select the winner.
Nominations for the Team QEH Awards 2026 are now open and will close on Friday 5 June 2026.
Take a look back at the 2025 Awards here.
For more information on each category and to submit your nomination, please click here.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
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