A Reyt Yorkshire ‘Do: National NHS Awards Hosted in Leeds for First Time as Hull Leader’s Story Takes Centre Stage
A Reyt Yorkshire ‘Do: National NHS Awards Hosted in Leeds for First Time as Hull Leader’s Story Takes Centre Stage
Leeds this week hosted a major national awards event for the first time, as the MyPorter and MyCleaning Awards, proudly in association with NHS England, arrived in the city in their sixth year – marking the first time the ceremony has been held outside London.
The prestigious awards took place at the newly renovated The Met Hotel, bringing together NHS portering and cleaning teams from across the country. The event worked in collaboration with Visit Leeds to source the events’ first venue in the city and secured an exclusive discount with LNER for NHS attendees and nominees.
Among the standout stories this year is that of Hull-based Portering Supervisor Mark Vipond, whose leadership has earned national recognition.
Working at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Mark transformed his department after recognising that female colleagues were struggling with menopause-related challenges. Determined to understand the issue properly, he researched, listened, and introduced meaningful workplace adjustments – creating open conversations and practical support that led to staff retention and improved morale.
His actions demonstrate how frontline NHS leaders can influence culture, wellbeing and operational stability.
Another Yorkshire-based winner, from the 12-strong categories of awards available, was Mo Jawad of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who won the Outstanding Contribution to Patient Experience Award.
Promoted from Porter to the team’s first-ever Resource Allocator, he has transformed how patient transfers are managed across the hospital. Blending frontline experience with sharp IT and communication skills, he ensures demand never overwhelms staff or compromises care. By building trusted relationships with porters and clinical teams, he prioritises patients with compassion and precision, adapting instantly when needs change. A steady, kind presence in the office, often sharing snacks and encouragement, he keeps morale high while keeping the hospital moving. Still picking up porter shifts himself, he never loses sight of what matters most: delivering outstanding patient experience, every single day.
The Leeds-hosted event also featured morning healthcare conferences on both days, with industry-leading voices discussing portering, cleaning and staff wellbeing across the NHS.
Bringing the national awards to Leeds highlights the city’s growing role as a host for major healthcare sector events, while celebrating the often unseen staff who keep hospitals running safely and efficiently every day.