NHS Confederation and NHS Supply Chain has published a new briefing exploring the lessons learned over the pandemic and the steps being taken to ensure supply chain resilience.
Key points are as follows:
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As the pandemic unfolded across the world, supply chains and transportation links were disrupted and demand for some product areas, such as gloves and face masks, increased to unprecedented levels across the globe. The NHS’s experiences through COVID-19 highlighted the critical need to ensure a resilient supply chain to NHS trusts through NHS Supply Chain, as well as through other suppliers’ supply chains.
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Significant global challenges to supply continue, including ongoing issues stemming from COVID-19, EU Exit and the conflict in Ukraine.
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The NHS has evolving service needs and requires continued support to deliver safe and excellent patient care. NHS Supply Chain – which manages the sourcing, delivery and supply of healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations – is working closely with the NHS and wider system to understand the impact of supply disruption and to work together to affect change.
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Communication remains a critical factor in managing supply issues. Processes are in place to ensure the NHS is aware of product shortages and, where possible, has early warning on likely shortages to enable proactive action.
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NHS Supply Chain will continue to invest in key tools and capacities within its end-to-end supply chain service.
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On 1 April 2022, operational responsibility for the Department of Health and Social Care’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) programme transferred to NHS Supply Chain, which will act as the agent in providing PPE requirements. The priority is always to drive continuity of supply, particularly as we navigate a challenging period for global supply chains.
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This briefing, from NHS Supply Chain and the NHS Confederation, explores the lessons learnt over the pandemic and the steps being taken to ensure supply chain resilience.
Read the full briefing
Source: NHS Confederation
Date: 11 October