Our news

Live reporting by the Communications team

Summary

• The 2026 Barts Health Heroes Awards took place on Wednesday night at The Brewery in central London.
• Our ten awards celebrate the very best of Barts Health, including five team awards and five individual prizes.
• The event also featured the Barts Charity Awards.
• Discover our winners below.

 

10.30pm

Thank you for following our coverage tonight! 🌟

We hope you’ve enjoyed celebrating the incredible achievements of our inspirational staff and volunteers — people who go above and beyond every single day. Their dedication, compassion and hard work make a real difference to our patients, our communities and to Barts Health as a whole.

Let’s keep recognising the heroes who make this organisation so special by making a nomination today!

 

***

10.15pm

Patient’s Choice: Team Winner

🎉 And the winner is... the Emergency Department (A&E), The Royal London Hospital.

The Patient’s Choice Award goes to the A&E team, recognised for an extraordinary act of compassion. When a palliative patient expressed a wish to get married while waiting for a hospice bed, the team made it happen. In the middle of a major trauma centre, they created time, space and dignity, adding fairy lights, bunting and quiet moments away from monitors to give the patient and their partner the ceremony they hoped for.

 

***

Patient’s Choice: Individual Winner

🎉 The Patient’s Choice individual award goes to Ashley Fletcher, fertility referrals manager, St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Despite spending more than a year in a sling, and during a period when referrals to fertility services doubled overnight, Ashley refused to step back. She supported her team one‑armed, kept services moving and made real improvements, including introducing upfront diagnostics to shorten waits and reduce admin pressure. Her resilience, positivity and unwavering commitment to both patients and staff make her a standout winner.

 

***

WeBelong: Team Winner

🎉 The WeBelong team award goes to our East London Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Team, St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Their Healthy Hearts Assemblies are inspiring the next generation while tackling long‑term health inequalities head‑on. Working in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, the team delivers fun, interactive heart‑health sessions to Year 6 pupils across three East London boroughs — areas with some of the highest cardiovascular disease rates in the country. Since launch, they’ve already reached over 11,000 children, empowering young people to make healthier choices and influence their families too.

A fantastic example of prevention, education and community impact in action.

 

***

Innovation and Impact: Team Winner

🎉 The Innovation and Impact team award goes to Newham Maternity’s SGA QI Project Team.

This team has delivered outstanding results for mums and babies by transforming how small‑for‑gestational‑age pregnancies are detected and supported. Their work led to a 43% reduction in low‑birth‑weight babies after 40 weeks, far exceeding their target, and brought neonatal admissions and HIE rates down through full rollout of the Growth Assessment Protocol. From third‑trimester scans for high‑risk pregnancies to improved access to aspirin and practical SGA alert cards, this project has made care safer, fairer and more consistent for Newham’s diverse population. A truly brilliant achievement.

 

***

People’s Choice: Individual Winner

🎉 The People’s Choice award goes to… Sabrina Mubiru, patient experience and quality lead midwife, The Royal London Hospital.

Sabrina has been a driving force for equity, cultural safety and anti‑racism across maternity services at Barts Health. As patient experience and quality lead midwife, she’s transformed care for ethnically diverse women through community outreach, culturally tailored resources and innovative tools like the Language on Wheels translation iPads — giving instant access to interpreters in over 200 languages and improving safety for families across our hospitals.

She’s also led powerful, community‑led work to tackle health inequalities, including higher postpartum haemorrhage rates among Bengali women. By co‑designing resources with communities and working closely with Maternity Voices Partnerships, Sabrina has built trust, strengthened communication and empowered women to shape their own care.

Bold, compassionate and transformative — Sabrina is an inspiring and hugely deserving People’s Choice winner.

 

***

10pm

Rising Star: Individual Winner

🎉 Our Rising Star award goes to… Molly Crawford, cancer service manager, group‑wide services.

In just three months supporting Newham, Molly has made a huge impact on the urgent cancer pathway. She has completely transformed how the hospital tracks 28‑day cancer referrals, working closely with teams and GPs to speed up diagnosis and strengthen oversight of every patient on an urgent pathway.

Thanks to Molly’s leadership, energy and smart redesign of processes, Newham has now hit — and even exceeded — the national 75% target for two months in a row. That means more than three‑quarters of patients referred with suspected cancer are now receiving a diagnosis within 28 days.

A fantastic achievement and a thoroughly deserved Rising Star win.

 

***

WeLead: Individual Winner

🎉 The WeLead individual award goes to… Sujatha Thamban, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, and divisional director for Women and Children, Whipps Cross Hospital.

Under Sujatha’s leadership, the Women and Children’s division at Whipps Cross has seen a remarkable transformation. Her clear vision, innovative improvements and unwavering commitment have strengthened services and lifted morale — especially within antenatal care. Colleagues describe her as a leader who gets the balance exactly right: offering challenge where it’s needed, but always celebrating success and supporting her teams.

Sujatha’s positive influence has rebuilt confidence, cohesion and pride across the department. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, often without seeking recognition — making tonight’s award especially well- deserved.

An inspiring leader, and a hugely popular winner.

 

***

WeImprove: Team Winner

🎉 And the WeImprove team award goes to… the Microbiology Positive Blood Culture QI Team from our Pathology Partnership!

Their Positive Blood Culture Quality Improvement Project has transformed how rapidly sepsis is detected and acted on across the trust. The team achieved a stunning reduction in incidents and complaints — more than 95% — alongside a 90% drop in blood culture outliers. Turnaround times have dramatically improved too, with over three ‑ quarters of samples reported within four hours, rising to 90% by 4.9 hours.

By strengthening cross ‑ site consistency, improving workflow, using remote monitoring technology and working collaboratively across all hospitals, the team has delivered safer, faster and more equitable services for patients. Staff morale has risen, productivity is up, and patients are receiving quicker, more reliable diagnosis for this critical pathway.

A hugely deserved win for an exceptional improvement project.

 

***

Living Our Values: Team Winner

🎉 The Living Our Values team award goes to… Bracken Ward, the Hospital Palliative Care Team and the Transport Team, Whipps Cross Hospital.

This remarkable group went above and beyond to fulfil a patient’s final wish to return home to Scotland to be near family. From the Bracken Ward team and palliative care colleagues to Mohi from transport, their coordination and compassion ensured the journey was safe, dignified and centred entirely on the patient’s comfort.

A special mention goes to Johanna Whitney, who travelled with the patient all the way to St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, offering support every step of the way.

An extraordinary act of teamwork, humanity and care — truly living our values.

 

***

9.30pm

Living Our Values: Individual Winner

🎉 The Living Our Values individual award goes to… Jim Stringer, groundskeeper, Newham Hospital.

Jim has made a life- changing difference to SEN students from NewVic and Newham College through their work placements at Newham Hospital. His patience, kindness and inclusive approach have helped students grow in confidence, independence and practical skills.

From adapting tasks so learners with visual impairments can take part, to creating a calm, encouraging environment where every student feels valued, Jim embodies compassion and equity in everything he does. His knowledge and enthusiasm — whether planting vegetables, trees or contributing to the new Sugi Forest — have opened up new experiences for young people who rarely access green spaces.

A truly inspiring colleague whose impact reaches far beyond the hospital grounds.

 

***

9.15pm

A word from our chief executive

Shane DeGaris begins the 2026 Barts Health Heroes Awards with warm thanks and big energy, saying it’s a pleasure to bring the whole organisation together to celebrate its incredible people. He reflects on a year of real challenge and real achievement across the Trust.

 

***

7.45pm

Barts Charity champions revealed

The winners of this year’s Barts Charity Awards are:

Fundraising Champion: Dr Anup Kage (pictured above), consultant neonatologist, The Royal London Hospital

Team Champion: Haemato‑Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, St Bartholomew’s Hospital

Congratulations to all of our Barts Charity champions! 💙

 

***

7.30pm

Welcome from the chair

Professor Ian Jacobs, Chair of Barts Health, opens tonight’s event by reflecting on his first year in the role, calling it inspiring, energising and a real “homecoming” to east London, where he first trained and worked more than 40 years ago.

He thanks the trust’s 24,000 staff and volunteers, praising the finalists for showing the very best of Barts Health through their compassion, teamwork and dedication to patients.

 

***

6pm

In good hands…

Our fabulous hosts tonight are Jonathan Livingstone, wellbeing and inclusion manager at Whipps Cross Hospital, and registered nurse Zara Zaman.

They will be guiding our guests through each of the awards this evening.

 

***

5.30pm

Final preparations as we get ready to celebrate our Barts Health Heroes!

A huge good luck to all our incredible shortlisted teams and individuals. Making it this far — standing out from over 1,000 high‑quality nominations — is an achievement in itself, and you should feel incredibly proud.

We’ll be announcing and sharing the winners throughout the evening, so stay tuned.

If you’re joining us tonight, we can’t wait to see you.

If not, we hope you enjoy following along with the coverage.

 

***

3.45pm

…and our final set of team finalists: WeImprove

Our WeImprove team award recognises teams who have delivered significant improvements to their services through innovation, collaboration and smart problem‑solving using our WeImprove methodology. This year’s finalists have each transformed care for patients and colleagues in powerful and practical ways.

🌟  Alcohol Harm Team, Newham Hospital
The Alcohol Harm Team has transformed how inpatients at risk of alcohol harm are identified and supported. By embedding AUDIT‑C screening into everyday practice and automating referrals, they’ve ensured patients receive timely specialist care. Their evidence‑driven approach secured £600,000 of Barts Charity funding for a seven‑day alcohol care team — a major step forward for Newham.

🌟  Domestics Team, Newham Hospital
Newham’s Domestics Team delivers consistently exceptional standards that underpin patient safety and infection prevention. Their five‑star audit performance and meticulous work keep clinical and public areas clean, safe and reassuring. Often behind the scenes but absolutely essential, their dedication supports high‑quality care across the hospital.

🌟  Imaging Team, Whipps Cross Hospital
The Imaging Team at Whipps Cross has overhauled CT access for A&E patients by redesigning flow, freeing capacity and introducing a dedicated inpatient scanner. Through close collaboration with colleagues across emergency, clinical and operational teams, they’ve removed bottlenecks and delivered faster, safer imaging for patients needing urgent diagnosis.

🌟  Microbiology Team, Pathology Partnership
The Microbiology Team’s blood culture improvement project has significantly strengthened the trust’s approach to sepsis detection and management. By streamlining processes and expanding remote monitoring, they’ve reduced delays, improved consistency across sites and enhanced safety for patients in one of our most time‑critical pathways.

Congratulations to all our WeImprove finalists.

 

***

3.15pm

About our venue

Tonight, in just a few hours, we’ll come together for the 2026 Barts Health Heroes Awards at The Brewery, on Chiswell Street near Moorgate — a venue steeped in nearly three centuries of history.

Originally the home of the Whitbread Brewery, the site dates back to 1742 and went on to become one of the nation’s largest and most important brewing operations. In 1750, Samuel Whitbread moved his brewing business here from Old Street and Brick Lane, creating a site so vast and innovative it became a destination for royal visits, including George III, Queen Charlotte, Queen Elizabeth II, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Beer was brewed on this site for more than 225 years, with the final tanker leaving the yard on 13 April 1976, closing an extraordinary chapter in East London’s industrial story. 

Today, The Brewery is a beautifully restored Grade II listed venue, combining its original 18th‑century features with modern design. Characterful brickwork, historic courtyards, and dramatic event spaces make it a fitting setting to celebrate our outstanding colleagues.

A little local trivia for the evening: Chiswell Street takes its name from the Old English ceosel — meaning gravel or stony ground — a name recorded nearly 800 years ago. Whether or not the courtyard cobbles beneath our feet date back that far, they’ve certainly carried centuries of barrels, horses, carts, and people since the Whitbread Brewery opened here in 1750.

Doors open at 6:30pm for finalists and guests.

We’ll see you very soon for an unforgettable night of celebration!

 

***

2.30pm

Introducing the WeBelong team finalists

***

2pm

Meet your Patients’ Choice team finalists

This award celebrates the teams who’ve made an extraordinary difference to patients and families through compassion, creativity and commitment.

🌟 Estates Team, Whipps Cross Hospital
The creative force behind “Junction 3½”, a magical, child‑friendly landmark on Europe’s longest hospital corridor. Their imaginative, practical design helps families find children’s outpatients with ease — bringing joy and reducing stress for young patients and parents.

🌟 M‑BRACE Newham, Newham Hospital
A multidisciplinary improvement initiative that strengthened communication, streamlined workflows and enhanced patient experience. Through morning huddles, consistent processes and digital whiteboards, the team reduced variation, improved equity and boosted staff wellbeing.

🌟 A&E Team, The Royal London Hospital
An extraordinary act of compassion: the team created a dignified, intimate wedding for a palliative patient awaiting a hospice bed. Fairy lights, bunting and thoughtful touches turned a busy A&E into a place of humanity and care.

🌟 Oncology Digital Project Team, St Bartholomew’s Hospital
A groundbreaking digital consent project using animated videos — translated into nine languages — to explain cancer treatments in accessible, patient‑friendly formats. With thousands of views and excellent feedback, the initiative is improving understanding, reducing inequalities and supporting informed consent.

 

***

11.45pam

All the ways to recognise your colleagues

Recognition doesn’t just happen once a year — there are plenty of simple, meaningful ways to show appreciation for the people who make a difference every day.

Here are a few ways you can recognise a colleague:

💌 Send a thank you card
A small gesture that goes a long way. A handwritten note can make someone’s day.

❤️ Send a Barts Heart
Our Barts Hearts are a great way to say “I see you, and I appreciate what you do.” Whether it’s for great teamwork or a moment of kindness, it’s a quick way to recognise someone’s contribution.

🏅 Long Service Awards
Since 2018, we've honoured colleagues who’ve dedicated 15, 25 or 40 years of continuous service to Barts Health or one of our legacy organisations. These awards shine a light on the commitment and loyalty of our long‑standing staff.

📘 Find out more
You can explore all our reward and recognition schemes on our WeShare page.

 

***

11am

Get to know your Innovation and Impact team finalists

We’re celebrating the teams whose smart ideas and fresh thinking are transforming services across Barts Health.

🌟 Maternity SGA QI Project Team,Newham Hospital
A high‑impact maternity improvement project achieving a 43% reduction in low‑birth‑weight babies through better antenatal detection, targeted interventions and evidence‑based care — improving safety and reducing inequalities.

🌟 Adult Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation (ARCARE), The Royal London Hospital
Pioneering digital respiratory care with a Virtual Ward, COPD remote monitoring and redesigned pathways that save bed days, reduce readmissions and improve access for vulnerable patients.

🌟 Dying Matters Team, Whipps Cross Hospital
A thoughtful, creative programme that opened up conversations around death, grief and compassionate care through remembrance activities, education sessions and community‑led events.

🌟 STaRT‑HF: Rapid Titration of Heart Failure Therapy, Group-wide
A virtual clinic enabling patients to adjust heart‑failure treatment from home, cutting waiting times, reducing carbon emissions and saving hundreds of appointments through innovative remote monitoring.

 

***

10am

Meet your Living Our Values team finalists

We’re recognising the teams who bring our WeCare values to life every day through their words and actions.

***

9.30am

Surprise! You’re a Heroes finalist...

Back before Christmas, we set out on a special mission: to surprise some of our 2026 Barts Health Heroes finalists with their invitation to tongiht's awards ceremony.

Watch the video to see their brilliant reactions.

 

***

9am, Wednesday 11 February

Welcome to day two of our live blog!

Tonight’s the night — excitement is building for this year’s Barts Health Heroes Awards.

Throughout today, we’ll be previewing our team award finalists across five categories.

Are you attending Heroes tonight?

Drop us a comment below — we’d love to hear from you.

 

***

3.45pm

Leading with courage: Meet our WeLead finalists

Our WeLead individual award celebrates colleagues who inspire others, drive improvement and lead with compassion, clarity and courage. This year’s finalists have each made a remarkable impact on their teams, services and patients.

🌟 Sujatha Thamban, divisional director for women and children’s, Whipps Cross Hospital
Sujatha has driven a major cultural and operational shift within her department. Her balanced leadership — supportive yet constructively challenging — has rebuilt morale, improved antenatal services and strengthened team cohesion. Much of her work is behind the scenes, making this recognition especially deserved.

🌟 Sandra Bowman, ward manager, Whipps Cross Hospital
Sandra showed exceptional courage and compassion during a traumatic incident. Her quick decisions saved a patient’s life, and she stayed late to ensure her team could debrief and support one another. Her commitment to patient safety and staff wellbeing exemplifies true compassionate leadership.

🌟 Chris Garrett, consultant in diabetes psychiatry, Newham Hospital
Chris is celebrated for pioneering integrated care for patients with Type 1 diabetes and complex mental health needs. His compassionate, innovative approach has reduced DKA admissions and improved outcomes for a high‑risk group. A respected expert who remains approachable, he continues to strengthen services across Newham.

🌟 Radiya Islam, clinical lead brachytherapy badiographer, St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Radiya has helped to transform team culture through inclusive, motivating leadership. Despite intense service pressures, she maintained outstanding patient care while delivering efficiency improvements and reducing waiting times. She helps develop and retain junior radiographers, fostering trust and collaboration.

Congratulations to all our WeLead finalists, and thank you for leading with courage, compassion and vision.

 

***

3.15pm

A new look for this year’s Heroes

You may have noticed that our Barts Health Heroes Awards for 2026 have a refreshed new look.

This update aligns with our Bloom at Barts promise — the idea that working at Barts Health is more than a job. It’s a place where our people grow, thrive and belong, and where everyone is supported to reach their full potential.

Bloom at Barts brings together everything we’re doing to retain staff and help you feel valued — from flexible working and career development opportunities to health and wellbeing support, leadership programmes and recognition schemes like Heroes.

The refreshed identity for this year’s awards reflects that commitment, celebrating the people who make Barts Health a place where potential is realised every day.

 

***

2.30pm

Spotlight on: our Rising Star finalists

Our Rising Star award celebrates colleagues early in their careers who are already making a remarkable impact. These finalists bring fresh thinking, dedication and a drive to improve services for our patients.

🌟 Molly Crawford, cancer service manager, group‑wide services
In just three months supporting Newham, Molly has transformed how urgent cancer pathways are monitored. Her leadership has helped Newham meet — and exceed — the Faster Diagnosis Standard for two consecutive months, streamlining processes and improving the patient journey.

🌟 Dr Ketan Patel, consultant respiratory and integrated care physician, St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Since joining in April 2024, Ketan has quickly strengthened integrated respiratory care — from daily virtual ward rounds to closer MDT working and better links with GPs and community teams. His work on COPD remote monitoring, winter funding and a new GP Respiratory Trainee programme is already improving care across north east London.

🌟 Doris Ikejimba, cardiovascular nurse, Newham Hospital
A newly qualified nurse with exceptional potential, Doris showed remarkable calm during a critical emergency on a night shift. Her support to CCOT and clinicians helped stabilise a patient with heavy bleeding, demonstrating compassion, confidence and leadership under pressure.

🌟 Sadaf Iqbal, specialist respiratory physiotherapist, Mile End and St Bartholomew’s hospitals
Sadaf is praised for her empathy, adaptability and focus on personalised care. She helped design a remote monitoring pathway for unwell patients, reducing avoidable admissions and enabling safe care at home. Colleagues and families credit her with improving quality of life and coordinating vital support.

Congratulations to all our Rising Star finalists — your talent and commitment are already shaping the future of care at Barts Health.

***

1pm

Celebrating our People's Choice finalists

The People’s Choice individual award celebrates colleagues who have made an exceptional impact through courage, compassion and dedication. These finalists were nominated by those who experienced their support first‑hand.

🌟 Dan Refaat, simulation fellow, Whipps Cross Hospital
Dan designed an innovative learning‑disability simulation course using actors with lived experience to offer realistic, emotionally impactful training for healthcare professionals. Praised for its depth and sensitivity, the programme is helping to strengthen person‑centred, inclusive care across the trust.

🌟 Lubna Shaheen, rehabilitation support worker, Mile End
Lubna went above and beyond during a period of severe staff shortages, coming in on a day she planned to work from home to run back‑to‑back classes. Her resilience, kindness and commitment ensured patients continued receiving high‑quality care and helped lift the team during a challenging time.

🌟 Spencer Rolls, IT service support manager, Group Support Services
Spencer calmly intervened when a distressed member of the public began smashing windows outside the ICT building. His empathetic, measured approach de‑escalated the situation safely, preventing further harm and offering crucial reassurance until police arrived.

🌟 Sabrina Mubiru, patient experience and quality lead midwife, The Royal London Hospital
Sabrina leads transformative work to embed anti‑racist, culturally safe maternity care. From multilingual anaemia resources to real‑time translation technology and community outreach, her initiatives are improving safety, trust and communication for thousands of women and families across east London.

🌟 Parween Khodabaccus, emergency department receptionist, The Royal London Hospital
During a critical incident in ED, Parween showed remarkable courage. Her steady, compassionate approach encouraged an armed individual to surrender their weapon, ensuring patients and staff remained safe and allowing urgent treatment to continue without delay.

Congratulations to all our finalists and thank you for your extraordinary contribution.

 

***

12.15pm

How to win a Barts Health Heroes award

Did you know that all staff and volunteers are eligible for a Barts Health Heroes award? Nominations are open all year, and anyone - including patients - can put someone forward.

Recognition doesn’t just happen once a year. We also celebrate monthly winners through our Hero of the Month award, shining a spotlight on colleagues who consistently go above and beyond.

It’s quick and easy to nominate someone you think deserves recognition — and we even have a handy guide to help you.

For this year’s annual awards, nominations closed on 1 October 2025. Our expert judging panel reviewed more than 1,000 nominations, making their decisions tougher than ever.

The finalists were announced in December, and now only one question remains… who will take home the awards?

Join us on Wednesday night as we celebrate their incredible achievements!

***

11.45am

Getting to know your Patients’ Choice finalists

Our Patients’ Choice individual award celebrates colleagues who’ve made an exceptional difference to patients and families, nominated directly by those they supported.

🌟 Mona Lisa Samkange, physiotherapist, Newham Hospital
Recognised for her clarity and empathy, Mona Lisa took time to explain a father’s condition in full, answer every question and support the whole family. Her communication made a profound difference during a difficult period.

🌟 Ashley Fletcher, fertility referrals manager, St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Despite spending a year in a sling, Ashley remained dedicated to her team and patients. When referrals to Barts Fertility doubled, she supported her team one‑handed, introduced improvements and helped create calmer, safer pathways for patients.

🌟 Lisa Blackshaw, breast clinic manager, Whipps Cross Hospital
Supporting one patient since 2017 through a rare, complex condition, Lisa consistently meets them before appointments, brings a warm drink, arranges the clinician they trust and offers steady reassurance. Her compassion and organisation have been invaluable.

🌟 Ines Carvalho, senior staff nurse, St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Nominated by a patient recovering from major aortic surgery, Ines is praised for her warm, intuitive care — from reassuring words to brushing and plaiting the patient’s hair. Her personalised approach brought comfort at a vulnerable time.

Good luck and thank you for the outstanding care you provide.

 

***

10.45am

Spotlight on: Living Our Values individual finalists

As we count down to the awards, we’re celebrating the colleagues shortlisted for this year’s Living Our Values individual award. Each finalist exemplifies our WeCare values through remarkable compassion, dedication and integrity.

🌟 Elena Felli, senior midwife, Whipps Cross Hospital
While on holiday abroad, Elena met a distressed woman showing signs of preterm labour. She cut her trip short to return with her to London, ensuring the safety of both mother and baby — a powerful example of care beyond duty.

🌟 Jim Stringer, groundsperson, Newham Hospital
Nominated twice, Jim has supported SEN students on placement for two years. His patience, inclusivity and encouragement have helped them build confidence and independence, offering meaningful experiences in nature and community.

🌟 Dorcas Orimaye, community paediatric clinical nurse specialist, Mile End Hospital
Dorcas acted swiftly when she found a lost child with developmental and speech delays near the Royal London. She stayed with them, contacted the police and ensured a safe reunion with their mother — a true reflection of our values in action.

🌟 Wise Seadzi, receptionist, St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Wise transformed a difficult chemotherapy visit for a patient and her daughter through empathy, reassurance and heartfelt kindness, showing the profound impact of a single supportive moment.

Good luck to all our finalists — we can’t wait to celebrate you!

 

***

10.30am

About our Awards

The Barts Health Heroes Awards celebrate the incredible contributions of our staff and teams. In 2024, the categories were refreshed to better align with the work happening across the Trust. Here’s a quick look at them:

For individuals:

Living Our Values: Someone who shows our WeCare values in everything they do.

Patients’ Choice: Nominated by a patient, carer, or member of the public for making their care or experience extra special.

People’s Choice: Nominated by colleagues for going above and beyond to help others.

Rising Star: Someone who’s new to their role but is already making a big difference.

WeLead: A leader who inspires and motivates others with compassion.

For teams:

Living Our Values: A team that lives and breathes our WeCare values.

Innovation and Impact: A team that’s brought a fresh idea or way of working to make things better.

Patients’ Choice: A team that’s given excellent care or made a real difference to patients.

WeBelong: A team that works hard to promote fairness and equality.

WeImprove: A team that’s made big improvements to their service.

Who will take home the prizes? Stay with us to find out as the night unfolds!

 

***

10am, Tuesday 10 February

Welcome to our live blog

Good morning and a very warm welcome to our live blog as we count down to the 2026 Barts Health Heroes Awards!

Excitement is already building for the biggest night in the Barts Health calendar.

On Wednesday evening, around 300 colleagues, patients and partners will gather at The Brewery in central London to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our remarkable staff and volunteers — people who go above and beyond every single day.

This year, ten prestigious Barts Health Heroes Awards are up for grabs, along with two special awards from Barts Charity, recognising extraordinary dedication, compassion and innovation across our hospitals and offices.

We’ll be bringing you build‑up throughout the day, shining a spotlight on our inspiring finalists and revealing the winners live as it happens.

Stay tuned — and feel free to share your messages of support in the comments or via email.