24.05.13
NHS Supply Chain launches strategic sourcing programme
A new strategic sourcing programme has been launched by NHS Supply Chain to reduce costs and increase value across the NHS.
NHS Supply Chain will work with suppliers on packaging optimisation to reduce costs and waste, trailer fill to reduce product miles and provide supply chain optimisation. The new programme also has the potential to benefit sustainability and the government’s policy on carbon reduction.
Jonathan Kaye, head of strategic sourcing at NHS Supply Chain, said: “The launch of the strategic sourcing programme follows a number of successful pilot programmes that have evidenced strong savings opportunities for suppliers.
“For example, we recently worked with one supplier of clinical waste containers to redesign the packaging of a selection of their product range. This reduced packaging and transport costs by 63%, as well as saving 46 tonnes of paper and a quarter of a tonne of plastic.
“It’s about delivering benefits across the board. Suppliers gain from the supply chain expertise within our business and the wider DHL to support the introduction of efficiencies that will help them reduce costs. In turn, this will help to ensure that NHS trusts who purchase from NHS Supply Chain framework agreements are working to meet their own strict savings targets.
“Maximising delivery capabilities will reduce vehicle miles and support carbon reduction targets, whilst cutting down on the amount of product packaging used, through packaging optimisation projects, will reduce the amount of material waste generated across the supply chain.
“It’s about taking a holistic view of the supply chain and identifying where we can work together with suppliers to drive efficiencies that deliver benefits all around.
“The opportunity for suppliers to then replicate these improvements across other product areas and supply chain routes offers huge potential for suppliers to take the lead in driving efficiencies for customers.”
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