Patient's Choice Awards 2026: Celebrating the People and Organisations Making Healthcare Better for Patients

Melbourne, Australia - The 2026 Patient's Choice Awards, presented by Patients Australia, will bring together healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, carers, policymakers and consumers from across the country for a national celebration of excellence in patient-centred care.

To be held on Thursday 27 August 2026 at Melbourne's iconic Plaza Ballroom, the Awards recognise the individuals, organisations, services and initiatives making a meaningful difference to the lives of Australian patients and their families.

Unlike traditional healthcare awards, the Patient's Choice Awards place patients at the centre of the recognition process. Finalists are determined through public voting before being assessed by an independent judging panel, ensuring patient voices play a central role in identifying excellence across the healthcare sector.

The Awards span sixteen categories, recognising outstanding contributions from patient advocates, healthcare professionals, health services, patient and community organisations, researchers, innovators and initiatives that place patients at the centre of care and are making a meaningful difference to health outcomes and experiences across Australia: 

·       Outstanding General Practitioner ·       Outstanding Specialist ·       Outstanding Nurse ·       Outstanding Allied Health Professional ·       Outstanding Community Pharmacist ·       Outstanding Hospital ·       Outstanding Clinic ·       Outstanding Digital Health Service

·       Outstanding Chronic Disease Org ·       Outstanding Cancer & Rare Disease Org ·       Outstanding Mental Health Org ·       Outstanding Patient Advocate ·       Outstanding Carer Advocate ·       Outstanding Patient Campaign ·       Outstanding Patient Innovation ·       Outstanding Patient Research

Guests will also hear from a special guest in conversation with Dr Nicholas Coatsworth, one of Australia's most respected health communicators. Together, they will explore the importance of patient advocacy in improving health outcomes.

Lisa Robins, Chief Executive Officer of Patients Australia, said the Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those whose work has a genuine impact on the lives of patients.

“At their heart, the Patient's Choice Awards are about recognising those who make healthcare better for patients. Every finalist represents a story of compassion, innovation, leadership or advocacy that has improved the experience of care for others” 

“Healthcare is ultimately about people. These Awards shine a light on the clinicians, carers, researchers, organisations and advocates who go above and beyond to improve the lives of patients and their families” 

“Across Australia, there are extraordinary individuals and organisations quietly making a difference every day. The Patient's Choice Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contribution.” 

Patients Australia is also inviting organisations to join the growing list of sponsors supporting the Awards and helping to celebrate excellence in patient-centred healthcare.

The 2026 Patient's Choice Awards are proudly supported by leading organisations from across Australia's healthcare sector, including Medibank, Bupa, Pfizer, AbbVie, Novo Nordisk, Telstra Health, Healthengine, Chiesi, Law Partners, Delta Advisory, Arrotex, Smartgroup and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. We also thank our media partner, BiopharmaDispatch, for helping to share the stories of the individuals and organisations improving healthcare for patients across Australia.

Nominations and ticket sales are now open. Find out more about the event here.

ENDS 

For further information or media requests: 

Lisa Robins 

CEO, Patients Australia 

media@patients.org.au 

About Patients Australia 

Patients Australia is a leading independent not-for-profit organisation championing the rights of patients across Australia. We’re here to ensure that patients’ voices are amplified and their needs prioritised within the healthcare system. Our organisation drives significant improvements in patient care, advocating for greater transparency, accessibility, and quality within Australia’s healthcare landscape. By actively engaging with health consumers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, we empower patients to create a more responsive and equitable healthcare system for all Australians.