NHS workers whose job it is to secure vital supplies for a hospital have been shortlisted for a major prize.

The procurement team at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust has been recognised ahead of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Excellence in Procurement Awards, which will be held digitally on September 16.

The procurement team have been recognised for working extremely hard to protect and support patients and staff at the Harlow hospital during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, during which they have built relationships with local and large suppliers, including local colleges, and worked collaboratively with teams across the hospital.

The categories the team have been shortlisted for are Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supply Base and Procurement Team of the Year for a Large Organisation.

Michael Stone, head of procurement at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We are truly honoured to be recognised for our hard work and dedication, despite very difficult circumstances. To be shortlisted for two CIPS awards provides external validation for the team and has helped us to feel even more motivated to succeed.

“Coronavirus has brought many communities closer together, this is especially relevant to the NHS community. Our procurement team has worked tirelessly together to support our front line NHS staff and patients, whilst also providing aid to other NHS trusts. With the help of our suppliers, local colleges and community, we have been able to forge new working relationships which will last way beyond these difficult times.”

Trevor Smith, chief financial officer at The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust, added: “This national recognition is testament to the fantastic work of our procurement team.

“Through dedication to building new supplier relationships, we have ensured appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) supply to the hospital throughout the coronavirus (Covid-19) response. Credit is due to our stores department, who have been distributing the PPE throughout the hospital, whilst managing a significantly increased workload and a high volume of orders.

“Well done to the team on providing a highly effective service for our patients and our people – and we are looking forward to the awards ceremony in September.”