An innovative project that puts children at the heart of shaping hospital services has been named a regional champion at the first NHS Excellence Awards.

Little Voices, led by the Patient Experience Team at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, won the Patient Involvement and Choice category, which recognises work that improves care for patients and communities.

The project invites pupils from Pelsall Village School into the hospital to share their ideas and experiences, helping staff understand how clinical environments can feel safer, calmer and more welcoming for children.

Little Voices visits are planned throughout the year, giving pupils the opportunity to see their suggestions transformed into real service improvements.

The initiative is also being launched at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

The NHS Excellence Awards are the only awards run by, and for, the NHS. They celebrate innovative work across health and care, highlighting teams and individuals who are improving services and sharing learning to inspire others.

More than 400 entries were submitted across the Midlands in ten categories. The ten regional champions will now go forward to the national shortlist, with winners to be announced at an awards ceremony during NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester in June 2026.

Garry Perry, Associate Director of Patient Voice (Experience) at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are immensely proud of this recognition for such a fantastic programme. Our young people, alongside our strong partnership with Pelsall Village School, have firmly embedded the voice of the child in our organisation, leading to meaningful service improvements and better care experiences.”

Dr Jessica Sokolov, Regional Medical Director for NHS England – Midlands, said: “These awards celebrate the outstanding work taking place across the Midlands, with local projects and teams making a real difference to patients and communities. All those recognised should be very proud – congratulations to our Midlands champions.”