Medical and health professionals from East Lancashire are among those featured in the national NHS Parliamentary Awards shortlist.

Regional champions were selected by panels of senior regional NHS representatives for their ‘dedication to the health service and to people they care for in their communities’.

From cancer teams who are working tirelessly to treat cancer sooner with the introduction of a new diagnostic centre, to a crisis car providing 24/7 emergency mental health support for those who need it most - staff from across the health service are being honoured for making a difference to patients, including from urgent and emergency, primary and mental health care.

The Health Equalities Award finalist representing the North West is the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service based at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The Future NHS Award finalist representing the North West is Professor Shondipon Laha, Consultant in Critical Care Medicine and Anaesthesia at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Shondipon Laha, Consultant in Critical Care Medicine and Anaesthesia

All of the regional winners will be invited to the national awards ceremony, which will be held on July 6 in Westminster, a day after the 74th anniversary of the creation of the NHS.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: “Undoubtedly one of the NHS’ greatest strengths is our extraordinary staff – each one an important part of the NHS team which has treated more than 750,000 patients with Covid, delivered more than 124 million Covid jabs and worked tirelessly to make significant inroads recovering services impacted by the pandemic.

“The last two years have been incredibly challenging for everyone, including not just NHS staff but all key workers, but through this, health and care staff and volunteers have continued to make a real difference to their patients.

“This is reflected in the hundreds of nominations received from across the country and I want to congratulate every one of those people receiving recognition for service to their communities and making a real and lasting difference for patients.”     

Over 700 nominations were submitted, more than last year.

Steve Treloar, Chief Executive of awards sponsor LV= General Insurance, said: “At the heart of the NHS is its people and we are therefore delighted to be able to celebrate the rising stars of the NHS – those who among younger members of staff and volunteers are helping to shape the NHS for generations to come."       

Fiona Cannon, sponsor Lloyds Banking Group’s Sustainable Business Director, added: “Congratulations to all who have been shortlisted for the ‘Excellence in Mental Health Care’ category of the NHS Parliamentary Awards.

"Your work is vital to the well-being of individuals, communities and the country as a whole and on behalf of Lloyds Banking Group, I would like to thank you for the important contribution you make.      

"We are pleased to support the Excellence in Mental Health Care Award 2022."