By Karen Wares, Research and Development Committee Member and IPS Awards Judge
The Nursing Times Awards 2025 were held on 22 November in London, celebrating outstanding contributions across the nursing profession. This year, I had the honour of attending in person for the first time to present the Infection Prevention and Control Award on behalf of the Infection Prevention Society.
Having had the privilege of judging these awards for the past three years, it was a true highlight to stand alongside the host Kate Garraway, in front of almost 1,200 nurses and healthcare professionals, gathered to celebrate excellence, compassion, and innovation across nursing.
Our Winner
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – Blood Culture Pathway Project
Congratulations to Northumbria Healthcare for their outstanding Blood Culture Pathway Project. This collaborative, multi-disciplinary initiative tackled the challenges of antimicrobial resistance through improved diagnostics and trust-wide education. Judges praised the strong leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to upskilling both registered and non-registered staff.
With a phased approach to implementation and a focus on sustainable improvement, this project has significantly enhanced patient care and safety – setting a high standard for infection control and diagnostic excellence. Judges were impressed by a robust improvement project that demonstrated clear and passionate leadership and collaboration to improve patient outcomes and support staff practice.
Our Finalists
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust – Housekeeper Infection Prevention and Control Champions
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust – CLEAN Campaign
- Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust – Optimising infection prevention and control in intermediate care units: Enhancing utilisation of the Infection Risk Assessment Tool
- Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust – Promoting a proactive and preventative IPC culture within adult social care
- HCA Healthcare – Quality improvement to minimise bloodstream infections in parenteral nutrition patients
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust – Reduce Group: A Streptococcus wound infection
- Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust – Clostridioides difficile reduction initiative
- Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust – Mouthcare in Healthcare: A pneumonia prevention strategy
Recognising innovation and impact
Importantly, the awards celebrated far more than one category – and it was wonderful to see IPS members shortlisted in others. Across areas such as research, digital innovation, sustainability, and social care, nurses are driving change, shaping practice, and improving outcomes. This breadth of recognition underscores how nursing leadership is present in every corner of health and care.
What makes these awards truly special is that every shortlisted project represents far more than a single entry or moment of recognition. Each reflects hours of dedication, learning, and teamwork that continue to ripple far beyond the award itself.
For those who were shortlisted but did not win, your impact remains significant. Every initiative shared contributes to our collective understanding of what effective infection prevention looks like in practice. Each project adds to the growing evidence base that shapes national standards, influences policy, and inspires others to take forward their own improvements.
Please remember your innovation doesn’t stop at the award ceremony. My fellow judges Tina, Kirsty, Mark, and I would encourage all entrants to take their work further: publish, present, and share through IPS channels, regional meetings, or at conference. By continuing to tell these stories, we ensure that good practice reaches as many colleagues as possible, helping others to adapt, adopt, and build on what works.
Collectively, this is how we strengthen our professional voice and continue to drive excellence in infection prevention and control.
Celebrating leadership and pride in our profession
As a leader, one of the things I love most is helping others climb – creating space for colleagues to be seen, celebrated, and recognised for their impact. The Nursing Times Awards, along with our own IPS awards, remind us why that matters. They shine a light on the everyday brilliance, resilience, and compassion that define our profession, often in the most challenging of circumstances.
Right now, healthcare is a tough and demanding place to work. The pressures are real, and the challenges often feel relentless. Yet, even in this environment, nurses continue to innovate, lead, and make a tangible difference to patients and teams every single day.
There’s a phrase we often hear in nursing: “I’m just a nurse.” It’s something so many of us say — often modestly, sometimes out of habit – yet it’s something we should say boldly and with pride.
Being a nurse means leading change, improving lives, and shaping the future of healthcare. It means holding hope, compassion, and expertise at the centre of care, even when the system around us is under strain — and that is something truly extraordinary.
As Alex, our CEO, said just a few weeks ago, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” After an evening surrounded by such inspiring colleagues and stories of impact, my cup is now full.
A call to our IPS members
I would encourage all IPS members to consider putting forward their own projects, innovations, or colleagues for future awards. These awards provide a powerful platform to showcase the difference we make every day to celebrate infection prevention as a cornerstone of patient safety and to inspire others through shared learning and success.
If you or your team are leading change, driving improvement, or delivering innovative practice –tell your story. Recognition through these awards not only honours your work but also strengthens the voice and visibility of infection prevention professionals everywhere.
