The work of our award winners and nominees can inspire new ideas and success across the health service, writes HSJ editor Alastair McLellan

With the general election now less than six months away, the political battle lines around the NHS are being drawn more distinctly. We can expect those currently in government – and those vying to replace them – to come up with a range of ideas aimed at ensuring a strong, sustainable health service.

Alastair McLellan

‘We received 1,305 entries this year, an indication of the wealth of good work being done across the country’

If they are looking for inspiration, they could do far worse than look to our HSJ Awards winners. The winners of the 2014 HSJ Awards are 22 examples of best practice happening right now. They include individuals making a difference, as well as teams committed to delivering the best possible care.

We also celebrate wider projects in important areas such as patient safety, compassionate care and better managing the increasing burden of long term conditions – all of which will be high on party political agendas as voting day draws ever closer.

We received 1,305 entries this year, an indication of the continuing status of these awards as healthcare’s highest accolade, and of the wealth of good work being done across the country. Our 84 judges selected the cream of the crop, but their decisions were not easy.

I offer my hearty congratulations to our award winners and to those shortlisted. They and we are keen to share these examples of best practice. I hope you find that reading about their work spurs ideas for new successes at your own organisation.