Nursing Times Team of the Year 2026
The team behind a pioneering critical care transfer service founded and hosted here at Barts Health has been named Team of the Year at the Nursing Times Awards 2026.
The Nursing Times Awards celebrate the very best in nursing and midwifery, recognising the innovation, leadership and dedication that improve patient care across the UK.
This year, ACCESS London (Adult Critical Care Emergency Support Service) received the Team of the Year award for its groundbreaking collaborative approach to delivering specialist care for critically ill patients across the capital.
Delivered in partnership with other London-based NHS Trusts and the London Ambulance Service (LAS), ACCESS is London's first dedicated adult critical care transfer service.
The service operates a 24/7 fleet of specialist ambulances staffed by expert critical care clinicians and carry advanced monitoring equipment including ventilators and specialist monitors, acting as a network of mobile intensive care units.
Initially developed by frontline staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, ACCESS became a formally commissioned service in 2023.
The Nursing Times Judging panel praised the team's innovative approach to collaborative working, highlighting how organisations have combined their expertise to improve patient care. Judges also recognised the model's potential to be adopted more widely across the UK.
The project was one of five Barts Health teams shortlisted across four categories at this year's Nursing Times Awards, showcasing the breadth of nursing and midwifery excellence across the Trust.
Rachael Corser, group chief nurse, said:
"To have five teams shortlisted for a Nursing Times Award is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the outstanding talent, dedication and innovation across our workforce.
"The success of ACCESS demonstrates what can be achieved when colleagues and organisations work together with a shared focus on delivering the very best care for patients. Congratulations to everyone involved in this award-winning service, as well as all our shortlisted teams. Thank you for the incredible difference you make every day!"
Congratulations to everyone involved!