•  New data from NHS Improvement shows that trusts across England have saved £288m in the last financial year by securing the best deals for everyday essentials, such as syringes and disposable gloves. 

• The money saved was achieved thanks to trusts being able to compare how much their neighbours have paid for items so they can negotiate the best deals with suppliers, as well as trusts clubbing together on some orders and buying in bulk.

• NHS Improvement also outline savings made through their price comparison tool, which allows trusts to view the cheapest options for over one million products. Additionally, it sets a benchmark for each product to help trusts avoid paying more than they need to.

• Although progress has been made, the long-term plan presents a good opportunity to ensure that efficiencies are fully utilised across the country.

The head of policy at NHS Providers, Amber Jabbal, said:

"This data demonstrates how hard trusts are working to deliver savings wherever possible and the impressive progress already made. The money saved on everyday items used by the NHS represents real savings which can be reinvested back into patient care.

"Trusts know that there are more savings which can be made through contracts and everyday products, but these one-off savings are likely to make up a small proportion of the £3.6bn expected of the sector this year.

"Trusts believe better system working, integrating services and addressing workforce challenges offer the greatest long-term opportunities to deliver greater efficiency."

Amber Jabbal    Head of Policy and Strategic Projects

"Our recent report – Making the most of the money: Efficiency and the long-term plan found that trusts believe better system working, integrating services and addressing workforce challenges offer the greatest long-term opportunities to deliver greater efficiency - and we must be realistic about the time, investment and support the system needs to realise these savings."