Imagine stepping into the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on a cool Friday evening on the 15th March. The air is electric with anticipation and the excitement is palpable. This is no ordinary gathering – it is the Unsung Hero Awards 2024 ceremony, a night dedicated to celebrating the non-clinical and non-medical NHS staff – the real heroes who keep our healthcare system running smoothly behind the scenes.

What is the Unsung Hero Awards?

The Unsung Hero Awards (UHA), established in 2015, serve a dual purpose: to foster a sense of personal well-being and to shine a spotlight on the achievements and tireless dedication of non-medical/non-clinical NHS staff and volunteers. These unseen heroes, often working behind the scenes, are key players in the NHS’s commitment to providing exceptional healthcare.

The awards are distributed across all non-medical sectors of the National Health Service, heralding the invaluable contributions of departments such as:

• Administrative & Clerical
• IT & Digital
• Estates & Ancillary
• Corporate Services
• Volunteers

Additionally, in recognition of outstanding individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond their call of duty, we introduced a new award category: The Special Recognition Award. This is our way of saying a big thank you to these extraordinary individuals and teams for their exceptional commitment and service to the NHS.

The 2024 ceremony was a magnificent affair, more vibrant and glittering than ever before. After a pause due to the pandemic, the return of this much-awaited event was deeply felt by everyone in attendance. It was a night of emotion, of inspiration, and of celebration. Such a grand event would not have been possible without the support of the sponsors. A special mention must be made of the headline sponsor, max20 Project Solutions, and Made by Cooper, who created the beautiful UHA2024 badges given out on the night.

Other sponsors, including SynApps Solutions, Local Telecom Ltd, Pannone Corporate LLP, and Dow Schofield Watts Corporate Finance, also played a crucial role in making the vision for the night a reality.

BBC North West Tonight presenter Roger Johnson served as the host for the evening, captivating the audience with his charm and wit. A key highlight of the event was the speech by Paralympic champion Aaron Phipps MBE, which was deeply moving and motivational. A heartfelt thanks to our esteemed panel of judges, including Antony Tiernan, Kath Evans, May Parsons, Aneira Thomas, Dr Ellie Cannon, Professor Doctor Habib Naqvi, Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, Sam Allen, Ellie Orton, Clare Cassidy, and Kate Jarman. They meticulously selected the winners and, although not all were able to attend to personally hand out the awards, their unique energy, enthusiasm, and presence were deeply felt throughout the evening.

As for entertainment, there was no shortage of it! Magician Ian Lavin left the guests spellbound with his magical tricks, we were transfixed by the performance of the choir, while singer Lisa Tomlinson‘s melodies got everyone on the dance floor. The mirror men were also a sensation on the dance floor, and the three-course meal was a culinary delight, served with impeccable care. 

The emotion of the evening was overwhelming as the winners were announced. The air buzzed with excitement and gratitude, serving as a reminder of the importance of celebrating the non-medical and non-clinical NHS staff. The full list of winners can be found here.

This special night served as a reminder of why these individuals are celebrated:

1. They provide essential support: From administrative duties to cleaning services, these individuals ensure smooth operations within our healthcare facilities, enabling doctors and nurses to focus on patient care.
2. They enhance patient experience: Whether it’s a warm greeting from a receptionist or the dedicated efforts of a social worker, these staff members often make a lasting impression on patients.
3. They show remarkable resilience: The past few years have been challenging for everyone, particularly those working in healthcare. The resilience and dedication displayed by non-medical and non-clinical staff are truly commendable.

The Unsung Hero Awards 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of these everyday heroes. The anticipation for the next event is already building, and memories of this special night will continue to inspire. Our motivation to celebrate non-medical and non-clinical NHS staff is stronger than ever. We strongly believe in the importance of recognising the contributions of these unsung heroes, and we hope our community continues to grow as we continue to uplift and honour them.

You can view the UHA 2024 Photo Gallery here!