They call them “the NHS Oscars” — awarded to the dedicated staff who keep our health service in north London and the Royal Free London hospitals group running.

They were dished out at a glitzy evening at the Royal College of Physicians for staff in 13 categories being recognised for their “stellar work” over the past 12 months.

The evening was hosted by the Royal Free group’s chair Mark Landon, who kicked off the ‘Oscar’ awards reflecting on staff achievements.

“Our amazing staff provide outstanding care to patients despite challenges in the past year,” Mark said. “They live out our trust values, visibly reassuring, clearly communicating, actively respectful and positively welcoming.

“Where would we be without all of you and all your colleagues in our hospitals and services?”

The staff were being recognised for “going the extra mile” in the run up to the 75th anniversary of Health Minister Nye Bevan setting up the National Health Service in post-war Britain.

Mark laid his marker down for the Royal Free group when he added: “It is thanks to you, your hard work and dedication that I think our trust is the best place to work in the NHS. You should all feel so proud of yourselves.”

Mark’s chief executive Deborah Sanders paid tribute to the Royal Free Charity for supporting the NHS.

She said: “It’s a partnership we value enormously. The charity raises an incredible amount of money to support the health and wellbeing of our staff and the vital work that we carry out that enriches patients’ lives.”

Special guest on the night was ITV’s Bradley Walsh, presenter of The Chase quiz show, who spoke candidly about his mother, who was a psychiatric nurse.

“It is brilliant what the hospital group does,” the TV host said. “The Royal Free Charity is a magnificent organisation that supports all the hospitals in the group. I enjoyed being a part of the Oscars.”

Awards on the night went from “Group Clinician of the Year” to “Outstanding Contribution to Research” and “Volunteer of the Year”.

Those shortlisted had previously won local heats in recent weeks at the Royal Free Hospital, Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and corporate services.