The shortlists have been decided for the 2026 MyPorter and MyCleaning Awards. Delivered in association with NHS England, these awards once again shine a light on the exceptional contribution of healthcare portering and cleaning professionals working across the NHS.
Interest in these awards has once again reached a new high, with entries more than doubling in just two years; there has been a 52% increase in nominations on last year alone and a 125% rise since 2024. This sustained growth highlights the increasing recognition of the vital importance of portering and domestic services to the patient experience, patient safety and day-to-day hospital operations, and how essential it is to recognise these dedicated teams and individuals.
The judging process was led by NHS England’s Phil Shelley, together with NHS England colleague Kay Mulcahy and NHS Facilities Matron Claire Gibson, as part of a five-strong judging panel. Together, the panel reviewed each nomination in depth, assessing not only operational excellence but also the personal commitment, compassion and professionalism demonstrated by nominees.
Phil Shelley, Senior Operational & Policy Manager – Soft FM at NHS England, says: “The number and quality of entries this year has been remarkable. It’s clear how much pride people take in recognising colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. These nominations give a real insight into the professionalism of our teams and the personal approach they bring to their work. It was an honour to be part of this judging process.”
The shortlisted individuals and teams will be celebrated at live awards ceremonies taking place in March across two consecutive days, hosted at the newly refurbished The Met, in Leeds. The first day will focus on the MyCleaning Awards, recognising healthcare cleaners, domestic teams and auditors for their crucial role in maintaining clean, safe and welcoming environments. The second day will host the National MyPorter Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation within NHS portering services.
Alongside the awards ceremonies, over 200 attendees will also take part in a refreshed conference programme. This year’s agenda introduces two interactive panel discussions, replacing the traditional conference layout and offering greater opportunity for engagement, discussion and shared learning among delegates.
The move to Leeds has enabled the organiser, Globalview, to work in partnership with Visit Leeds to support attendees travelling to the event. As part of this collaboration, an exclusive 25% discount on rail travel with LNER has been secured for delegates. A discount code is required and can be obtained by emailing: [email protected]
Kay Mulcahy, Associate Director of National Estates Operations at NHS England, adds: “We’re extremely proud to support these awards and to recognise the dedication and impact of portering and cleaning teams across the NHS. These events allow us to celebrate the strength and professionalism that exists within our hospital environments, and I look forward to meeting the finalists and hearing their stories at the live ceremonies.”
MyPorter Awards shortlist
Newcomer of The Year:
• Nashir Miah – Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
• Sean Sullivan – NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group
• Isa Hussain – Luton and Dunstable Hospital
• Kwami Jacobs – Great Western Hospital
Leadership of The Year:
• Jamie Whittaker – Great Western Hospital
• Brad Watson – Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Southend Hospital)
• Mark Vipond – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Dylan Melrose – South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Outstanding Contribution to Patient Experience:
•Geoffery Myers & Craig James – NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group
• Karen Howlett – Peterborough City Hospital / North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
• Patricia Gomes – Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
• Mo Jawad – Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust
Portering Team of The Year:
• Portering Team at St Georges Hospital, Midlands Partnership
• Manchester Mental Health, Domestic, Portering, Receipt & Distribution Management Team
• Great Western Hospital, Portering Team
• Peterborough City Hospital, Portering Team
Dennis Southern Lifetime Achievement:
• David Bennett – Midlands Partnership University Foundation Trust
• Gavin Hewitt – Peterborough City Hospital / North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
• Jonathan Coombs – Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Southend Hospital)
• Steve Riley – Northumbria Healthcare
Porter of The Year:
• Mark Dykes – Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead
• Idris Mohammed – London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
• Paul Crabb – Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Southend Hospital)
• Jake Wolstenholme – The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
MyCleaning Awards shortlist
Newcomer of The Year:
• Lidia Stolarczyk – The Redwood Centre, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
• Micheal Casey – East Kent Hospital Foundation Trust, Kent and Canterbury Hospital
• Laure Lee Keuler – Sherwood Forest Hospitals (Kingsmill Hospital)
• Jubit Joseph – Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Leadership of The Year:
• Paula Brooks – Sherwood Forest Hospitals
• Sintijia Logina – Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust
• Adrian Kopycinski – Harrogate Hospital (Harrogate Integrated Facilities)
• Todd Turner – Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
MyAudit Auditor of The Year:
• Sarah Flaherty – Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
• Monitoring team: Julie McLeod and Thomas Clamp – University Hospitals Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
• Mandy Whalley – Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Penny Hodgson – Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, East Kent Hospital University Trust (EKHUFT)
Healthcare Cleaning Team of The Year:
• Domestic and Porter Services, Greater Manchester Mental Health
• St Thomas Neonatal Rapid Response and Housekeeping – Guys and St Thomas
• Domestic Team, Wansbeck – Northumbria Healthcare
• A&E Cleaning Team – Whiston Hospital
Lifetime Achievement:
• Kerri Ann Miller – King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Dawn Pickering – Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust
• Audrey Johnstone – Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Caroline Gorman – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Domestic of The Year:
• Sonya Santos – Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Gary Powell – Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Thangarajah Ponnudurai – William Harvey Hospital, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
• Marc Daho – Central Middlesex Hospital / London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Congratulations to all the remarkable individuals and teams who have been shortlisted, and the best of luck to all at the live finals in March.
