HSJ Digital Awards 2026: Winners revealed

The event recognised the teams and organisations using technology to improve patient care, support staff, boost productivity and transform services.

This year’s awards attracted 468 entries, with 201 shortlisted finalists competing across 25 categories. The winners were chosen following a two-stage judging process, with stage one running over five weeks and stage two, virtual judging, accounting for approximately 177 hours. In total, 98 judges took part in the process.

The awards included categories recognising digital transformation at organisation, team and individual level, as well as work focused on patient empowerment, clinical safety, urgent and emergency care, mental health, AI and automation, and data and analytics.

Three new categories were introduced for 2026: Outstanding Achievement in EPR Implementation and Optimisation; Driving Interoperability and Standards Through Digital; and Driving Virtual Wards and Hospital at Home Through Digital.

In his opening speech, HSJ editor Alastair McLellan said the NHS’s use of technology had now “moved to centre stage”, with almost every aspect of the service beginning to feel its impact.

He added: “For you – and all those connected to the shortlisted entries for the HSJ Digital Awards – are the people who are transforming the often content-free talk of an ‘analogue to digital’ shift into real change.

“This is the fourth edition of the HSJ Digital Awards – and the most fiercely contested to date. Its growing success, credibility and impact is underpinned by the quality of our judges.”