Published on: 12 October 2022

Derbyshire Healthcare colleague Anna Shaw has received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to NHS Communications’ Award for her ongoing commitment to championing and further developing NHS communications. 

Anna, who is Derbyshire Healthcare’s Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement, attended the virtual national awards last night, to receive her award along with a number of other NHS communications teams across the country.

The NHS Communicate Awards are organised by NHS Confederation and NHS Providers and are designed to showcase the achievements of communicators across the NHS and celebrate innovation in the sector.

Anna has led the Trust’s Communications and Engagement team for nearly nine years and has worked in NHS communications for over 18 years.

Anna has built the communications function at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust from the ground up over the last nine years, developing strategies internally and externally.

Ifti Majid, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, congratulated Anna on receiving her award.

Ifti said: “Anna is an exceptional colleague and a real asset to Derbyshire Healthcare. Without her tenacity and dedication to the profession, the communications team would not be what it is today.

“Her success has been achieved without fanfare, being a team player and a caring and compassionate leader – something which makes her achievements all the more impressive.”

“What an achievement for not only the Trust, communications team and Anna! You’ve made all of Team Derbyshire Healthcare proud.”

Anna described the award as a “complete shock”, and she said: “It was a real surprise but honour to be recognised in the NHS Communicate Awards. Thank you to all the communications and engagement colleagues I have worked with over the last 18 years, particularly the brilliant team at Derbyshire Healthcare.”