Innovation and Integration in Focus as UHUK Recognises Excellence in Urgent Care

Urgent Health UK’s 2025 Annual Conference and Awards brought together over 130 healthcare professionals to explore how mission-driven, social enterprise, organisations are shaping the future of the NHS through innovation, integration and impact.

Held at the Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry, the event centred on Neighbourhood Health and the ambitions of the NHS 10-Year Plan, examining how urgent and integrated care providers are driving practical, system-level change to deliver more connected, sustainable healthcare for communities.

Keynote speakers included Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health; Daniel Elkeles, CEO, NHS Providers; Peter Holbrook CBE, CEO, Social Enterprise UK; and Sam Seddon, Ormsdale Associates.

They were joined by an outstanding line-up of panellists and session leaders, including Dr Agatha Nortley-Meshe (NHS England), Simon Morioka (PPL), Emma Challans-Rasool (NHS Horizons), Rich Taunt (Kaleidoscope), Mo Ubaydli (Patients Know Best), Rachel Power (The Patients’ Association), Hassan Chaudhury (Medica), Dr Keith Grimes (Curistica), and Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE (Bardoc).

The programme also featured member-led case studies, showcasing innovation and impact across UHUK’s national network — from digital enablement and workforce transformation to local partnerships improving patient outcomes and tackling health inequalities.

Nigel Gazzard, Chair of Urgent Health UK, said: “There was a real buzz and sense of enthusiasm running throughout this year’s conference – people, purpose, passion, and a play-to-win attitude were everywhere you looked. And as Minister Karin Smyth reminded us, we are pushing at an open door – the potential for our members to help shape the future of urgent and integrated care has never been greater. My heartfelt thanks to all our speakers, panellists, and delegates for making this such an energising and inspiring event.”

The energy carried through to the Gala Awards Dinner, where more than 200 guests celebrated excellence across UHUK’s social enterprise members. Awards were presented in nine categories, recognising collaboration, innovation and quality across services that collectively support more than two-thirds of the UK population.

UHUK 2025 Award Winners

Digital Impact Award
Gold – Cumbria Health
Silver – Badger Healthcare

Clinical Safety Leadership Award
Gold – Mastercall
Silver – NEMS
Bronze – PELC

Innovation in Action Award
Gold – FCMS
Silver – Suffolk GP Federation
Bronze – Mastercall

People First Award
Gold – Mastercall
Silver – PELC
Bronze – LCW

Excellence in Operational Safety Award
Gold – PELC
Silver – LCW

Stronger Together Award
Gold – NHUC
Silver – Primary Care 24 (PC24)
Bronze – Local Care Direct (LCD)

Equity in Healthcare Award
Gold – Primary Care 24 (PC24)
Silver – Cumbria Health
Bronze – PELC

Making a Difference Award
Gold – FCMS
Silver – Primary Care 24 (PC24)

Outstanding Engagement and Involvement Award
Gold – PELC
Silver – Primary Care 24 (PC24)

Conor Burke, Chief Executive of Urgent Health UK, said: “Our independent judging panel had a tough job this year, reflecting the quality and depth of innovation across every award submission. The winning entries highlight what UHUK and our members do best – partnership, collaboration, innovation, and excellence in urgent and integrated care.

“Across the conference, what stood out this year was how clearly national leaders recognised the importance of what we do. The direction set out in the NHS 10-Year Plan mirrors what our members have been quietly delivering for years – integration, prevention, and community-based impact. Our task now is to demonstrate that value with confidence and make sure the system sees us for what we are: natural integrators, innovators, and trusted delivery partners for the NHS of the future.”

In Spring 2026, UHUK will once again host an Awards Showcase, shining a spotlight on these award-winning initiatives and the positive impact they continue to have across the UK.

About Urgent Health UK
Urgent Health UK (UHUK) is the membership organisation for social enterprise, profit-for-purpose providers of urgent and integrated primary care services. Collectively, UHUK members cover more than two-thirds of the UK population, delivering high-quality, accessible care that helps keep people well, independent and at home. UHUK works in partnership with national and local NHS leaders to drive innovation, integration, and sustainability across urgent and primary care systems.