It's over 25 years since I joined the NHS in procurement and supply chain roles, and while it's always been a dynamic environment, I don't think any of my supply chain colleagues and peers could ever have estimated just how deeply the recent sequence of global events would impact procurement across the NHS, and supply chains globally. It's been and remains a challenge that our NHS faces on a daily basis, but the strength in collaboration that we've seen as a result of this has been truly humbling.
At a time when increased efficiency and productivity was already vital for the NHS – supplier disruption became 'unprecedented' and still the challenges kept coming.
As if a global pandemic wasn't enough, to follow almost immediately with the final stages of the European Union exit and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has tested the resolve of many. From a lack of raw materials to manufacture products, right through to transportation disruptions due to lockdowns, end-to-end supply chains have been rocked in most industries and the NHS has not escaped this.
The knock-on effects have been seen in increased costs of doing business and product shortages as international companies compete for raw materials, products, freight, warehousing and distribution. At a time when increased efficiency and productivity was already vital for the NHS – supplier disruption became "unprecedented" and still the challenges kept coming.
Not to understate in any way the impact the last couple of years has had on the NHS, I'd like to think collectively we have pulled together to deliver the very best we can for patients. As a community we've had to work together in ways we have talked of in the past but often not been able to fully realise. The challenges were, and still are obvious, the solutions are not, but despite this much has been achieved.
I am acutely aware that the greatest concern around supply disruption is simply that we won't have all of the products we need on the shelves to provide the care needed. The safety and wellbeing of patients will always be the driving force and for that reason we are working more closely than ever across the NHS to understand the impact of supply disruption.
We are also very aware that collectively there is a need to deliver our services in a way which is sustainable and protects the long-term future of our planet. Commitment to Net Zero by 2040 across the NHS is strong and working together we are making some significant inroads in new technologies, product alternatives and waste reduction. So for example, for the first time ever, we have introduced a range of remanufactured products within the category of electrophysiology devices and harmonic scalpels as we endeavour to provide alternatives to single use and disposable items.
There are great opportunities in front of us to collaborate even more extensively, focusing on care pathways, addressing health inequalities, and redesigning services and provision in a way which meets the needs of patients.
As we look towards the future, moving forward with integrated care systems, population health is now a major driver in the design and delivery of services. There are great opportunities in front of us to collaborate even more extensively, focusing on care pathways, addressing health inequalities, and redesigning services and provision in a way which meets the needs of patients. Procurement has a vital role to play here as we have the opportunity to work across whole systems, enabling collective purchasing aligned to patient pathways. Not only is this more efficient but it also provides greater consistency for patient care.
To hear more about our resilience activities and how the work we do supports the NHS to put patients first, come to our session at NHS Providers annual conference and exhibition 2022 on Tuesday 15 November at 1.25pm and find us at exhibition stand 10.
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