West London NHS Trust has been shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards, including the prestigious Trust of the Year award, recognising a commitment to innovation, partnership working, improving access to care and delivering outstanding, patient-centred services for local communities.
Widely regarded as one of the most respected awards in UK healthcare, the HSJ Awards celebrate work that has significantly improved services and outcomes for patients across the NHS.
The Trust of the Year award recognises NHS organisations that have delivered excellent, patient-centred care while successfully responding to the challenges facing today’s health service. West London NHS Trust has been shortlisted for its organisation-wide approach to improving patient care by working in partnership with staff, patients and carers to design and deliver better services that meet the changing needs of patients and local communities.
The Trust has also been shortlisted for the Early Intervention and Prevention for Children, Young People and Families Award for its Link Worker project, helping more children and young people from underrepresented communities access mental health support through community outreach across Ealing.
Developed by Ealing’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the initiative works alongside local faith groups, schools, voluntary organisations and community leaders to reduce stigma, improve understanding of children’s mental health and connect families with support in the community. As a result, CAMHS referrals from targeted communities have increased by an average of 30 per cent, with around 200 additional children each month now accessing timely mental health support.
Additionally, for its pioneering work as part of the London Major Trauma Psychology Network, West London has been shortlisted alongside partners in the Mental Health Innovation of the Year award category. The network is a London-wide service improving access to mental health support for children and adults recovering from major trauma. Over the past two years, the network has supported more than 6,500 patients, with around 90 per cent saying the service made a positive difference to their recovery, helping improve mental wellbeing alongside physical rehabilitation.
The shortlisted projects reflect West London NHS Trust’s commitment to delivering modern, inclusive and compassionate care, while working closely with local communities and partner organisations to improve access to services.
Maria O’Brien, Chief Executive of West London NHS Trust, said:
“Being shortlisted in three categories at this year’s HSJ Awards is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication, expertise and compassion of colleagues across our Trust.
“These nominations recognise far more than innovative projects. They reflect our commitment to improving lives by working alongside our patients, communities and partners to deliver care that is inclusive, compassionate and designed around people’s needs.
“I’m particularly proud that this national recognition highlights our work to improve access to community and mental health support, reduce health inequalities and develop new approaches that are already making a real difference for local people. We are honoured to be recognised alongside some of the very best organisations in the NHS.”
The winners of the 2026 HSJ Awards will be announced later this year.
