Recommendation 6

NHSE and NHS Supply Chain have not convinced clinicians that they value the quality of products above price. We are concerned that a focus on costs may impact on the quality of outcomes for patients. We can see the value in reducing unnecessary variation in the range of products that clinicians can choose, but this needs clinicians to be involved in those purchasing choices to make sure patient care is part of the value and cost considerations. Both NHS Supply Chain and NHSE consider that trusts and clinicians need to be free to make decisions about which products to buy in some instances and NHS Supply Chain contends that it offers an appropriate choice of products to trusts. While we find it reassuring that trusts have the freedom of choice over which products to buy, we are disappointed that there is no national leadership or analysis on which products lead to the best outcomes, other than for highly specialised equipment. Recommendation 6: NHSE and NHS Supply Chain should set out how they will involve clinicians in purchasing choices to ensure that better patient care is considered alongside value and cost. 8 NHS Supply Chain and efficiencies in procurement 1 Increasing the use of NHS Supply Chain