NHSScotland Unveils New Procurement Strategy (2024 – 2028)
A Cohesive Vision for Health and Care Procurement Across NHSScotland
Published on 24 October 2024
NHSScotland has launched its Procurement Strategy (2024-2028), outlining a collaborative, sector-wide vision for procurement services across Scotland’s health and care.
Aligned with Scotland’s Public Procurement Strategy, launched in April 2023, this strategy has been developed in collaboration with NHSScotland boards. It successfully aligns with the strategic objectives of NHSScotland and the procurement plans of individual boards.
The strategy sets out a framework of strategic priorities designed to guide the development of national and regional Health Board procurement strategies. These include collaboration, and embedding sustainable and ethical procurement practices to supply chain resilience. It also addresses the future needs of procurement services, emphasising the transformation of procurement systems and ongoing talent development to navigate the evolving procurement landscape.
Gordon Beattie, Director of National Procurement, commented, “The NHS in Scotland has a combined spending power of around £3.6bn annually. This strategy leverages our spending power to support a sustainable health service, maximising value and benefits for NHSScotland’s patients, staff, and communities.”
He continued, “We recognise the crucial role of procurement in addressing significant challenges, including supporting NHSScotland’s core purpose of improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Via its spending power, procurement is a powerful lever that can create substantial social impact, enhancing the wellbeing of the communities we serve and deliver sustainable solutions.”
Chris Sanderson, Head of Procurement at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, comments, “We have achieved a remarkable level of cohesiveness, making this a great process for everyone involved. Each NHSScotland Board has its own specific strategies tailored to local needs. While strategic objectives are often similar, the results have historically lacked a level of continuity across NHSScotland. This new Strategic Framework will significantly improve that and I think that’s something we are all proud to have been part of.”
NHS Scotland’s Procurement Strategy is now published and available to view here.