Published on: 24 July 2026
With just over three weeks until nominations close, colleagues and members of the public are being encouraged to put forward teams and individuals for this year's HEARTS Awards.
The HEARTS Awards (Honouring Exceptional and Really Terrific Staff) celebrate the outstanding people and teams across Derbyshire Healthcare who go above and beyond to make a difference to patients, service users, carers and colleagues. Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 16 August 2026.
We would like to spotlight the following categories in particular:
- Non-Clinical Team of the Year Award
- Partnership and Collaboration Award
- Productivity, Sustainability and Innovation Award
- Patient Focus Award
These categories recognise a wide range of achievements, from innovative ways of working and successful partnerships, to outstanding support for patients and promising colleagues who are early in their careers.
The 'Non-Clinical Team of the Year Award' recognises teams that work behind the scenes or in support services, demonstrating ambition and making a significant contribution to the wider benefit of the Trust, our patients and our people. The 'Partnership and Collaboration Award' recognises teams or individuals who have worked closely with experts by experience, communities or partner organisations to shape services. The 'Productivity, Sustainability and Innovation Award' celebrates those who have found new ways to deliver services, embrace technology, improve value or support environmental sustainability. And finally, the 'Patient Focus Award' highlights individuals and teams who consistently put patients, service users and carers at the heart of everything they do.
If you know a colleague or team who deserves recognition, now is the perfect time to tell their story. Even if someone has already received a DEED nomination (our staff recognition scheme - Delivering Excellence Every Day), you may be able to build on that submission and nominate them for a HEARTS Award.
Finalists will be selected by a judging panel and invited to the HEARTS Awards ceremony in October, where the winners will be announced.
The Trust would also like to thank the organisations that have already signed up to sponsor this year's HEARTS Awards. Their support will help make the event a fitting celebration of the people and teams who make a difference every day. We are grateful for the support of a number of sponsors, including LIO, Thalamos, Hill Dickinson and Patchwork Health, as well as other organisations that have already pledged their support for the awards.
To find out more about all the award categories and submit a nomination, visit the HEARTS Awards page and complete the online nomination form before the deadline.
