Posted on: 23 April 2026
Two CNWL teams have been shortlisted as regional champions in the Quality Improvement Award category of the NHS Excellence Awards 2026 - a brand‑new award launched this year to celebrate outstanding improvement work across the NHS.
Being named regional champions is a significant achievement and recognises the meaningful impact both projects are having on improving care, experience and outcomes for patients and services.
The shortlisted projects are:
Using Ambient Voice Technology to reduce report writing time on an ASD diagnostic pathway (East of England)
This project explores how innovative digital technology can support clinicians by reducing the time spent on report writing, helping to streamline the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic pathway and free up more time for patient‑focused care.
Wendy Purdom, Service Manager for Specialist Children’s Services siad:
I am incredibly proud of our specialist nurses within Community Paediatrics, to see this work recognised as regional champions in the NHS Excellence Awards, their work to introduce AI through Anathem, reflects our CNWL values of compassion, empowerment and partnership and is already making a meaningful difference by supporting clinicians and improving timelines experience and reassurance for children and families in Milton Keynes."
Harrow Psychotropic and Physical Health Clinics (London)
This project focuses on improving physical health monitoring and care for people prescribed psychotropic medication, supporting safer, more holistic treatment and addressing health inequalities for service users.
The Quality Improvement Award is one of several new categories introduced as part of the NHS Excellence Awards in 2026, shining a spotlight on teams who are driving change, testing new ideas and embedding improvement into everyday practice.
The national winners will be announced in June 2026.
Being shortlisted as regional champions is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of both teams.
Congratulations to everyone involved on this well‑deserved recognition!
