A health trust which provides care for more than 40,000 people has be shortlisted for Mental Health Trust of the Year.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust , which supports people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities, has been recognised in this year’s National Health Service Journal Awards.

The trust has been selected based on its "ambition, visionary spirit and the demonstrable positive impact" on service user and staff experiences.

Trust chief executive, Tom Cahill, said: "Being shortlisted recognises the tremendous hard work of all our amazing staff, who are working in partnership with our service users, carers and other organisations to innovate and keep improving our services."

Outgoing trust chairman, Chris Lawrence, added: "It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside all my trust colleagues and partners on this improvement journey.

"I am over the moon to see our achievements being recognised in this way – huge congratulations to everyone and thanks for all their hard work."

Now in its 40th year, the HSJ Awards is the largest annual benchmarking and recognition programme for healthcare.

Winners will be selected ahead of the ceremony, which will take place virtually in March.