#ExpertiseMatters: Healthcare Services and Pharmacy Category Overview
It has been a productive year for our Healthcare Services and Pharmacy category team. The team has worked on various procurement projects and collaborated closely with colleagues from NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP). Our aim has been to develop new frameworks, share knowledge, and enhance the experience for service users.
Kimberley Kay, Category Procurement Specialist
"A key highlight for our team this year has been the recent launch of the Advocacy Services for Health and Social Care framework. This is a brand-new addition to our offerings, developed with substantial customer input during the pre-market engagement phase. By involving customers early in the process, we ensured the framework meets specific needs and preferences. This has resulted in an efficient, user-focused procurement route designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of health and social care systems effectively and ensure everyone receives the appropriate care and support.
"Additionally, this framework is PSR-compliant, enabling customers to procure healthcare services in accordance with The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, which took effect on 1 January 2024."
Paul Dunn-Jones, Category Manager
"Our Pharmacy Clean Room Services framework is currently being evaluated as part of a re-tendering process. This effort reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards and updating services in alignment with current best practices. We are also collaborating with NHS LPP to extend the reach of this framework to their customer base.
"The Medical Cylinder Gases and Bulk Oxygen framework is another significant project under consolidated re-tender led by NHS LPP. This initiative has involved input from our category team and is currently at the final business case stage. The current frameworks are set to expire in 2025 which gives us time to implement new procedures. Initial market research, customer, and supplier engagements are already underway to ensure a smooth transition."
David Willis, Category Manager
"We have continued our bespoke project work, most recently wrapping up a Pharmaceutical Services project with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, showcasing our ability to tailor procurement solutions to specific customer needs.
"Over the next few months, our focus remains on developing comprehensive, innovative frameworks that cater to the evolving healthcare and pharmacy services procurement landscape. Through collaboration with NHS LPP, engaging with customers and suppliers, and pre-market analysis, we aim to enhance procurement processes and support the delivery of high-quality patient care.
"The progress we’ve made this year lays a solid foundation for future projects. Our commitment to staying flexible and meeting market needs means we will continue delivering valuable procurement solutions for the healthcare and pharmacy industry."
To explore our range of Healthcare Services and Pharmacy procurement offerings, click here. If you would like more information, please contact the NOE CPC Support Desk at enquiries@noecpc.nhs.uk.