Harrison's appointment follows the appointment of former long-serving chair Sir James Mackey to chief executive of NHS England.

Harrison has served as a chief executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust since 2013, transforming its record across several key areas and pioneering digital advances. He is also the NHS England national director for digital channels, chair of the NHS Confederation Employers Policy Board, and a trustee of the NHS Confederation.

Harrison said: ‘It is a critical time for our NHS to ensure that we are delivering the best possible patient care in the most efficient and timely manner, and the work of the NHS Supply Chain has consistently demonstrated excellence in ensuring that our healthcare system is appropriately equipped to deliver this.'