Shropshire’s Dr Jess Harvey recognised as Regional Leadership Champion in NHS Excellence Awards

Dr Jess Harvey, Clinical Director for South-East Shropshire Primary Care Network (PCN) and GP Board Co-Chair, has been named a regional champion in the leadership category at the NHS Excellence Awards 2026. 

Teams and individuals across the region have been acknowledged in the inaugural NHS Excellence Awards, celebrating work that is improving care for patients, communities and staff. The awards are the only programme run by, and for, the NHS - recognising, celebrating and sharing innovative practice across health and care. 

Dr Harvey was recognised for her outstanding leadership, demonstrating a consistent ability to inspire others, foster collaboration and support teams to deliver high-quality care. Her work reflects the core aims of the awards, which are to highlight impactful initiatives and encourage the spread of best practice across the NHS. 

Jess’s achievements include establishing a community health and wellbeing centre in Highley, developing a Dementia Integrated Neighbourhood Team, and launching a Primary Care Network (PCN) Pain Management Service. Underpinned by robust data and the lived experiences of patients and carers, her work continues to drive sustained improvements in access, integration and health equity. 

More than 2,500 entries were received across seven regions, with regional champions selected through a rigorous judging process.  

Dr Lorna Clarson, Chief Officer for Strategy and Improving Outcomes at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said:  

“Jess’s recognition is richly deserved. She leads with clarity, compassion and a strong sense of purpose, bringing people together to deliver meaningful improvements for patients and communities. Her ability to inspire those around her makes a real and lasting difference across our system.  

“In just three years, Jess has delivered tangible and lasting improvements through community-led transformation, enhancing access to health and care services, tackling health inequalities, and reshaping how care is delivered.” 

Regional champions from across England will now form the national shortlist, with winners set to be announced at an awards ceremony during NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester in June 2026. 

The awards shine a light on teams, projects and individuals driving meaningful improvements in care, with the aim of sharing learning and inspiring others to adopt successful approaches in their own areas.