A Stockport NHS supplies contract manager has been shortlisted as an 'unsung hero' in a national award recognising her excellent work.

Nadia Kardahji-Bould is up for the Unsung Hero award from the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA), as part of their Procurement for Healthcare Awards, which celebrate ensuring the efficient distribution of supplies to provide quality healthcare.

Nadia is a procurement contact manager for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and local community NHS services, and part of the Procurement Team which strives to make sure all clinical staff are well-equipped to provide the care their patients need.

She joined the team in 2019 as a procurement assistant, and thanks to her exceptional aptitude for learning quickly worked her way up the position of contract manager.

Nadia is described as an exceptional and enthusiastic colleague who is always ready to mentor and support others, showing care and compassion whilst being ready to go the extra mile.

One of the many examples of her outstanding support was in helping to make sure suction catheters were available for the community complex oxygen team, despite there being a national shortage. She was able to support them using her contacts with both suppliers and other trusts to request mutual aid, ensuring the service did not run out of these vital products.

Kay Wiss, Director of Finance for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said "Nadia is a fantastic colleague, calm, professional and totally patient centred. We hear nothing but positive feedback about Nadia from whoever she helps, and we are really lucky to have her. Like everyone else here I'm absolutely delighted she has been shortlisted by the HCSA as an 'Unsung Hero ; it's a title she truly deserves."

The winners of the HCSA awards will be announced on 29th November 2023 at the HCSA Winter Conference Awards event in Manchester.