Akeso is proud to announce that our Health on the Highstreet project with Barnsley Hospital FT has been shortlisted for the Healthcare Infrastructure Project of the Year at the 2026 HSJ Partnership Awards, which recognise outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS.
The HSJ Partnership Awards have become the most recognised and respected mark of the strongest relationships between suppliers and the NHS. Following the thorough judging process, Akeso was included in 160+ organisations, projects and individuals that made the final shortlist amid 240+ entries logged for the 2026 awards programme.
The 2026 awards judging panel was made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including; David Davis, Chief Clinical, Information Officer, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Maria Kane, Chief Executive, North Bristol NHS Trust, Louise Stead, Group CEO, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Nina Khazaezadeh, Regional Chief Midwife for London, NHSE London, Peter Kelly, Regional Director and NHS Director of Public Health, Yorkshire and North East England, Office of Health Improvement and Disparities.
The Health on the High Street partnership between Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley Council, the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and Akeso has transformed outpatient care delivery, bringing it into the heart of the community alongside other associated services. Driven by rising demand, ageing infrastructure and accessibility challenges, this bold new model integrates health and care within the community. By relocating key outpatient services – Ophthalmology, Orthoptics, Dermatology, Rheumatology, and Diabetic Eye Screening – to a Health and Wellbeing Hub in a former shopping centre, the project delivers care closer to home, enhances accessibility, and supports much needed regeneration. To find out more read our case study here.
Hear from our Director, Adam Thwaites, for his thoughts on this big achievement.
“We’re thrilled to be Finalists for the 2026 HSJ Partnership Awards. This recognition reflects the really innovative nature of the Health on the Highstreet project, and is a testament to the Barnsley’s commitment to thinking holistically to deliver high-quality, accessible care that benefits the whole community”
Finally, congratulations to all finalists. We are looking forward to celebrating the outcomes with the wider health and care community and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible through transformative projects that make a sustainable impact.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 19th March 2026 at Evolution London.
