The awards recognise excellence and innovation from individuals and teams, and showcase the range of quality improvement work which has been undertaken over the past 12 months.

Acting chief executive Chris Kewley said HNE Health's exceptional performance at the awards was a credit to the hardworking teams of staff across the area.

"These awards are significant for both our staff and our communities," Mr Kewley said.

"Recognition at this level reaffirms our belief that HNE Health has an outstanding and dedicated workforce, committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities," he said.

Mr Kewley said the awards recognised the performance of individual health care facilities, as well as area-wide projects.

"These achievements demonstrate excellence across the healthcare spectrum � for innovation, improvement and clinical excellence, as well as for hospital performance in both primary and community and the acute sectors.

HNE Health also won the minister's award for innovation, excellence and commitment within the health system for their project: Transfusion - improving patient safety as well as the Clinical Excellence Commission Award for Improvement in patient safety for pressure ulcer prevention - a crystal solution.

"While this is wonderful recognition for the Hunter New England Health workforce, the awards are also a strong testament to the calibre of staff working within the NSW public health sector.

Manning Hospital is part of Hunter New England Health.