East Midlands Academic Health Science Network's (EMAHSN) inspirational role in placing patients at the heart of health and care transformation, has been recognised with two awards.

Our Patient and Involvement Team were honoured as Inclusive Leaders of the Year at the annual NHS Leadership awards, hosted by the East Midlands Leadership Academy (EMLA) announced on 1 December.

In addition the East Midlands PPI Senate – an independent group of patient leaders hosted by EMAHSN – won the Excellence in Patient Experience award.

The annual NHS Leadership Awards shine a light on the commitment of leaders from East Midlands’ health and care organisations, who are dedicated to improving people’s health and the public’s experience of the NHS.

EMAHSN Managing Director Mike Hannay said: “Patients are at the very heart of everything we do, and so we are delighted that these awards have recognised our leading role in championing inclusion and driving service user involvement.

“The NHS is facing unprecedented challenges and increasing cost pressures. Patient involvement is absolutely critical to ensuring the NHS is both sustainable and meets the needs of our diverse communities – and we will continue to work with and support our many health and care partners throughout the region to ensure that patients, carers and seldom heard communities are involved and listened to.”

For more about the awards visit: http://www.leadershipeastmidlands.nhs.uk/recognition-awards-2016

Photo, left to right: Maxine Davis, Equality and Inclusion Lead, EMAHSN, Paul O'Neill, Director, EMLA, Shahnaz Aziz, Patient and Public Leadership Lead, EMAHSM, Emma Wiggs, KL2 200m Paracanoe Olympic Champion and Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive, Derby Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust