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Nurses to be at forefront of cutting procurement costs

Purchasing team remit is to deliver cost-effective care

A new team of nursing professionals will help cut NHS costs by more efficient purchasing of essentials, such as gloves and syringes.

The NHS Clinical Evaluation Team, made up of established procurement nurses, will combine demand and increased buying power to generate better value for the NHS nationwide. Launched by NHS Business Services Authority, the team will rationalise the range of healthcare products available to NHS trusts.

Team lead Mandie Sunderland said: ‘It’s important that we use our clinical experience to deliver high standards of care while also reducing cost and waste in the NHS.'

Ms Sunderland, who is chief nurse at Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, added: ‘The financial strain on the NHS is considerable, and I am confident that the NHS Clinical Evaluation Team members and their detailed insight into frontline patient care are uniquely placed to evaluate the range of products effectively.’

The RCN has campaigned for nurses to be have a prominent voice in the improvement of procurement processes. RCN head of standards, knowledge and information Rose Gallagher said: ‘Nursing staff are experts in what products work and how to reduce waste – and it is time this knowledge was put to real, practical use.’

Other team members include Naomi Chapman, Sian Fumarola, Simon Hall, Liam Horkan, Clare Johnstone, Stephanie McCarthy and David Newton. 

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