Local GP, Dr Jess Harvey, triumphs at national NHS Excellence Awards 2026

Dr Jess Harvey, local GP, Clinical Director for South-East Shropshire Primary Care Network and GP Board Co-Chair, has been named national winner of the leadership award at the inaugural NHS Excellence Awards.

The awards, delivered by NHS England, celebrate the people, teams and organisations driving improvement, innovation and collaboration across health and care in England. Winners were announced during a ceremony at NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester on Wednesday 10 June.

Jess was selected following a national judging process that assessed entries against criteria including innovation, measurable impact and collaboration. The judges recognised Dr Harvey for her engaging, evidence-led style of leadership, recognising her work to implement several initiatives successfully as part of a push to improve neighbourhood services. Judges said the breadth of activity and impact made her nomination stand out.

Her achievements include helping create a Community Health and Wellbeing Centre in Highley by relocating and refitting Highley Medical Practice within the local leisure centre, securing healthcare into the heart of one of Shropshire’s most deprived communities.

Jess said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. It means a great deal. I feel very fortunate to do a job that I genuinely love and to have had so many opportunities to make a difference. Most importantly, I am privileged to work alongside so many talented and dedicated people. They have supported me throughout my career, and many of the projects I have led or been involved in simply would not have been possible without them. This recognition is as much a reflection of their contribution as it is mine.

“Working in the NHS is demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. I feel privileged to be able to support patients and work with such committed colleagues every day. I remain passionate about improving services and outcomes for local people, and I look forward to continuing that work for the benefit of communities across the county.”

Professor Mike Wade, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England – Midlands, said: “It is fantastic to see our Midlands colleagues being recognised for their hard work and dedication whether individually or through initiatives which are making a real difference to patients and communities. I am proud that we have such excellent examples of leadership and improvement in health outcomes here in the Midlands.”

The NHS Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding work improving care for patients and communities across England, providing a national platform for sharing learning and encouraging adoption of successful approaches across the country.