NHS supply chain

[Essel]

Not directly related to the current situation, but this is a question that has been exercising me recently. I would assume (dangerous, I know) that all the NHS trusts have their own individual purchasing departments, and do not buy centrally. If this is so, why is it the governments fault that they do not have supplies of basics like masks? We have had medics on TV saying that action should have been taken sooner, so why did they not stock up?

In addition, I recently saw a complaint that they had to use out of date masks. As these are presumably a fast moving consumable, how were they in stock - surely normal stock rotation shouldn't allow this.

I dont ask this to attack or defend the government, but really would like to know how the NHS purchasing works in these situations.

[Downward]

Essel said:

Not directly related to the current situation, but this is a question that has been exercising me recently. I would assume (dangerous, I know) that all the NHS trusts have their own individual purchasing departments, and do not buy centrally. If this is so, why is it the governments fault that they do not have supplies of basics like masks? We have had medics on TV saying that action should have been taken sooner, so why did they not stock up?

In addition, I recently saw a complaint that they had to use out of date masks. As these are presumably a fast moving consumable, how were they in stock - surely normal stock rotation shouldn't allow this.

I dont ask this to attack or defend the government, but really would like to know how the NHS purchasing works in these situations.

All the PPE required is coming from NHS SC.

https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/news-article/nhs-su...

The issue for Trusts is that they are a day or 2 behind as this is additional work (30% increase).

Then think the reduced staffing with increased workload and we can see where this is lagging behind.

Trusts are thus putting in back up plans for purchasing the PPE equipment.

Don’t forget as well as Covid 19 Hospital's are still functioning as normal treating the ill patients with other issues so stock is still required in these other specialties.


https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/covid19/

[Fittster]

Lots of trusts use a shared service

NHS Shared Business Services

http://www.sbs.nhs.uk/image/11350/We-are-Transform...

[Downward]

Fittster said:

Lots of trusts use a shared service

NHS Shared Business Services

http://www.sbs.nhs.uk/image/11350/We-are-Transform...

That’s slightly different.

SBS provide trusts with a purchase to pay function so don’t supply goods.

NHS Supply chain is the massive warehouses around the country which supply stock products to hospitals, community clinics etc.
Have a read below to see how it all works and is funded.


https://wwwmedia.supplychain.nhs.uk/media/FOM_HAND...

Edited by Downward on Friday 27th March 14:08

[Essel]

Thank you for the above. Interesting reads.