Health Innovation Manchester are proud to announce that our collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly UK) to improve obesity care across Greater Manchester has been shortlisted for the Best Pharmaceutical Partnership with the NHS 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, Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly UK) & Health Innovation Manchester 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.

This recognition celebrates three years of joint working to improve obesity care across Greater Manchester. Together, we set out with a clear goal: to make services more accessible, equitable, and person‑centred. By bringing together local health leaders, clinicians, and people with lived experience, we’ve been able to understand the real challenges in the system and co‑create practical solutions.

Through this partnership, we’ve highlighted where care can be strengthened and provided insights to help shape future services. Listening to patient voices has been central to our work, ensuring recommendations reflect what matters most to those living with obesity.

Being named an HSJ finalist is a proud moment for everyone involved. It shows the impact of collaboration and the potential to scale this approach to benefit more communities. Thank you to all partners and stakeholders who have contributed to this journey.

Laura Rooney, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Strategy Officer at Health Innovation Manchester, said, “We are delighted that we have been shortlisted for the HSJ Partnership Awards. This recognition reflects the power of collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. By combining clinical insight, patient voices, and innovative modelling, we’ve been able to identify gaps and design solutions that can make obesity care more equitable and person-centred across Greater Manchester. This recognition reinforces our shared commitment to improving outcomes and reducing health inequalities for the communities we serve.”

Jay Hamilton, Business Development Director at Health Innovation Manchester, said, “Being shortlisted for the HSJ Partnership Awards highlights the critical importance of collaboration between the NHS and industry. Our partnership with Lilly UK enables us to combine expertise, resources and innovation to tackle complex health challenges such as obesity. By working together, we can accelerate the delivery of solutions that improve patient outcomes, reduce health inequalities, and transform care across Greater Manchester and beyond”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 19th March 2026 at Evolution London. The event celebrates excellence in healthcare, promotes best practice, and recognises the people and projects improving outcomes for patients nationwide.

For more details on the 2026 HSJ Partnership Awards shortlist, visit https://partnership.hsj.co.uk/