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Dr Elizabeth Kendrick named as regional champion at NHS Excellence Awards
Dr Elizabeth Kendrick, Chief Medical Officer at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, has been named as a regional champion at the NHS Excellence Awards, recognising her exceptional work to improve care and support NHS staff and communities.
Dr Kendrick, who is the regional champion for the Leadership Award, pioneered Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust’s Hospital at Home Service, now a national exemplar which supported 23,500 patients from 2022 to October 2025. Elizabeth also secured £500,000 for a proactive care model that identifies high-risk patients nine days before potential admission.
The Champions were selected from over 200 entries submitted by NHS organisations across the region.
They reflect the breadth of innovation taking place across the East of England – from harnessing artificial intelligence to cut waiting times, to delivering cancer treatment in patients’ own homes, to supporting young people in mental health crisis.
The awards, which are linked to the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, recognise outstanding practice across ten categories.
The East of England’s regional champions will now progress to the national finals, with winners announced at NHS ConfedExpo in June.
On receiving news of her success, Dr Elizabeth Kendrick said:
“I am honoured to be recognised as a Regional Champion for Leadership in the NHS Excellence Awards 2026. This reflects the commitment of colleagues across our system to deliver high-quality, person-centered care.
“At Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, we are focused on working in partnership to provide innovative care closer to home, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities. I’m proud to support our teams and the wider East of England in delivering more joined-up, preventative care for our communities.”
Clare Panniker, regional director for the NHS in the East of England, said:
“These champions represent the very best of the NHS in the East of England.
“From pioneering digital solutions to providing vital support for young people and carers, these projects show a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes and looking after our incredible workforce.
“A key purpose of the NHS Excellence Awards is to highlight best practice and encourage other NHS organisations to adopt these approaches in their own work.
“I hope these champions inspire teams right across the region.
“I wish all our regional champions the very best in the national finals in June.”
