The Head of Procurement for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has received the top honour from the association which represents healthcare professionals across the country.
Tracey Stockwell received the President’s Award from the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA), and only found out following a surprise visit whilst at work.
Tracey is the Head of Procurement for the trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services, and has worked to ensure healthcare supplies are purchased and distributed for over 15 years, making sure staff are well equipped to provide the care their patients need.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, ensuring the supply of equipment was the biggest challenge Tracey and her team had ever had to meet. This was even harder for Tracey as she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer at the time.
Tracey and the team met the challenge, ensuring the swift deployment of PPE items required to keep both staff and patients safe on the wards. Under Tracey’s leadership, the procurement team were able to establish a seven day service to meet demand when it was needed.
Her achievements have already been recognised earlier in the year when she received a personal call of congratulations from Prince William the Duke of Cambridge, and an invitation to the 73rd birthday commemoration of the NHS at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Tracey’s efforts have now received new appreciation with the presentation of the President’s Award, the highest possible honour from the HCSA, which represents healthcare supplies staff throughout the UK. Simon Walsh, Trustee for the HCSA, presented Tracey with the award during a surprise visit during her usual day’s work at the hospital to the delight of her and her colleagues.
In his citation, HCSA President Lord Hunt of Kings Heath PC OBE said: “I am pleased to Award my 2021 President’s Award to Tracey Stockwell in recognition of her personal dedication and her professional service. Tracey is a dedicated and well-respected Head of Procurement who by word and deed has worked tirelessly for her Trust; her Region and the NHS as a whole – even while continuing to have personal health challenges.
Tracey’s conversation with HRH The Duke of Cambridge along with her attendance at the NHS 73rd Anniversary Service at St Paul’s were very appropriate recognition of her work and her personal and professional leadership reflect the very best of NHS Procurement. We are all immensely proud of her and the work she does.”
Karen James OBE, Chief Executive for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “Tracey has always been an excellent Head of Procurement but she has truly performed outstandingly over the past two years with the twin challenges of the pandemic and her struggles with her own health. I’m truly delighted she has been recognised for her achievements with this much deserved President’s Award from the HCSA.”