An MP has nominated a diabetes and mental health team for an “excellence” award to mark the 70th birthday of the NHS.

Watford MP, Richard Harrington, chose the diabetes team from West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, and the mental health team from Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust for the “Excellence in Mental Health Care” category. 

As regional champions, they will now compete for a national award with other nominees across England appearing at the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards, at the Palace of Westminster, on July 4. 

The award ceremony will mark the 75 years the NHS has been in service, falling on July 5.

Regional MP’s were asked in February to nominate teams or individuals they believed had made the biggest improvements to health services in their constituencies across ten categories.

From over 750 entries, four outstanding nominations were chosen in each category for their commitment and care.

Richard Harrington said: “I am delighted that these teams have been chosen to represent the region for this prestigious award to mark the 70th birthday of the NHS. 

“By working closely together, they have made some real improvements to services locally. These will ultimately lead to improved access to care and a better quality of life for people coping with both diabetes and mental health conditions.”

Combined, the teams had improved in training, clinical guidelines, outreach services and focused on high risk groups.

The IBM and Teva-sponsored award ceremony will be hosted by Dr Sara Kayat, NHS GP & TV Doctor best known for This Morning, Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and GPs: Behind Closed Doors.

The regional nominees will first go through to a final stage before a judging panel consisting of Royal Colleges, Unison and the Patients Association.