Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust and Cognitant Group Ltd shortlisted for the 2025 HSJ Awards

12 August 2025

Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust (RBFT) and Cognitant Group Ltd are proud to announce that Kidney Essentials has been shortlisted for the Digitising Patient Care Award at the prestigious 2025 HSJ Awards. This recognition highlights the exceptional work and innovation demonstrated by the team and is a testament to the both organisations’ dedication to driving healthcare excellence.

This year’s awards attracted more than 1,250 entries from across the health sector. With only 245 projects and individuals making it through to the final shortlist, the competition has been incredibly tough, demonstrating the impressive scale of talent, commitment, and impact across the NHS and wider healthcare landscape.

Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust (RBFT) and Cognitant Group Ltd’s shortlisted entry, Kidney Essentials, was selected following a rigorous judging process and has been recognised as a standout example of excellence in healthcare delivery. 

The 2025 awards judging panel was once again made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including; Matthew Style, Director General, Secondary Care and Integration, Department of Health & Social Care, Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive Officer, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, NHS England as well as a range of esteemed Chief Executives from NHS Trusts across the UK.

Kidney Essentials is a digitally inclusive, web-based education hub that to date, has empowered over 4,000 patients to manage chronic kidney disease. It uses culturally tailored, multilingual animations, delivering accessible self-care tools that enhance outcomes, reduce clinical burden, and drive health equity as part of a digitally transformed renal care pathway.

Dr Emma Vaux OBE, Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Director at RBFT, said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted for the Digitising Patient Care Award at the HSJ Awards 2025. This is a proud moment for our team, whose hard work and passion for improving healthcare have been extraordinary. To be recognised among so many outstanding initiatives is already a win in itself.”

“Regardless of the outcome on the night, we’re thrilled to be able to share our journey and learnings with others across the sector, and to celebrate what’s possible when we come together to deliver better care.”

“We’d also like to thank Royal Berks Charity’s Renal Fund and the Health Foundation for their generous donations towards this project.”

“Kidney Essentials is a game-changer in patient education - empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their kidney health. By making information accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant, we're not just improving care - we're transforming lives.”

HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan commented: “On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust (RBFT) and Cognitant Group Ltd on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Digitising Patient Care Award. All of the applications represent the ‘very best of the NHS’ and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice!  

“Year on year the number of entrants continue to rise which I find so encouraging and is testament to the effect that HSJ Awards can have on improved staff culture and morale. 
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 20 November 2025 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 2025 HSJ Awards shortlist, visit https://awards.HSJ.co.uk/