In this paper we critically analyse the recently reformed National Clinical Impact Awards (NCIAs), formerly the Clinical Excellence Awards (CEAs) and question whether these recent reforms will be enough to address longstanding problems related to selection of award holders and their iniquitous allocation. We conclude that the recent changes are unlikely to address these longstanding issues and come at a time that is particularly insensitive to all other staff in the NHS. We call for the abolition of NCIAs and a scheme that rewards all NHS staff fairly.