§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made within the Scottish health service with competitive tendering; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythHealth boards have made commendable progress. By the end of March, 226 contracts had been awarded and these are expected to release savings of more than £80 million over the periods of the contracts. These awards include nearly all the domestic, catering and portering services being provided in health boards throughout Scotland. The savings realised are available to boards for re-investment in direct patient care.
Boards have also extended competitive tendering into other service areas. Laundry/linen, grounds and gardens, estate maintenance and transport are just some of the services where contracts are being awarded. Some boards have, following competitive tendering, awarded contracts for the care of the elderly and for renal dialysis services. In all cases quality of delivery of service is of paramount importance in preparing tender specifications.