19.11.19
NHS Supply Chain announces new distribution partner
Food, the organisation in charge of sourcing and supplying food for NHS trusts across England, has appointed Bidfood as its new multi-temperature distribution partner.
As it stands, NHS Supply Chain’s network is only in charge of ambient products - this deal will change that to mean that they are dealing with fresh, chilled, frozen and ambient products.
The contract will run for two years, with the option to extend it for another two years.
The new appointment has several benefits which include: one price for food nationally, fewer suppliers reducing administrative costs and improved food safety as well as reduced food miles.
Rona Miranda, Account Director for NHS Supply Chain, said:
“This deal means NHS trusts will be able to order all of their food products from one approved portal and have them delivered via one approved supplier, supporting the very essence of the NHS Supply Chain Operating Model.”
Having a national route to market also means that the NHS is in a better position to contract directly with the growers, producers and manufacturers of the products it’s buying.
Savings from this strategy will then be reinvested into frontline care within the NHS.
40 NHS Trusts will start phase one before the new model becomes available for all NHS Trusts in Spring 2020.