Earlier this month, the Department of Health, in conjunction with NHS England, published a document unveiling its Procurement Development Programme for the NHS. This arose out of concern due to the variation in the prices paid for goods and services, and inconsistent procurement practice, across the NHS.
This document outlines the importance of effective and efficient procurements noting how huge savings can be made if the NHS changes the way it buys goods and services.
Throughout the document flags the Department's intention to 'draw in private sector expertise and best practice'. One can ponder on whether or not such external support will also be cost-effective and in line with private sector practice?!
Nonetheless as part of the process to transform the approach taken to procurement across the NHS as a 'procurement champion' will be appointed from the private sector to 'lead the way' and to sit within the new NHS Procurement Development Oversight Board and to Chair a new NHS Procurement Development Delivery Board.
For further details please review the Better Procurement Better Value Better Care: A Procurement Development Programme for the NHS document.
If on reading this you believe that your organisation may benefit from some support in relation to your procurements please consider subscribing to our Health Procurement Portal (HPP) if you are not already a member. The HPP team are committed to continuing to provide best practice tools and know-how to subscribers to help with all aspects of procurements. If you are interested in more details or for a free trial please contact [email protected].