One of the smallest provider organisations in the NHS has won the mental health provider category at this year’s awards. 

Humber FT took home the top prize in a year in which the sustainability and effectiveness of smaller mental health providers had been questioned by some of the sector’s leaders

The north east trust is the sixth smallest NHS mental health provider with annual revenues of around £120m. The third smallest provider, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust, was also shortlisted.  

Other finalists included: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership FT; Dorset HealthCare University FT; Midlands Partnership FT; and Place2Be. 

The judges said: “The journey for this organisation is exemplary, the judges thought they didn’t know quite how impressive they are. They retain an understated wow factor in their progress to change, patient safety and embedded positive culture. A unique presentation from a unique trust.” 

The awards, now in their 39th year, are among the world’s most fiercely contested health service awards, attracting hundreds of entries from the NHS and its partners. 

Detail of all 23 category winners are here