HC Deb 16 December 1993 vol 234 cc811-2W
Mr. Anthony Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the NHS Supplies Agency has achieved since it was set up; and what savings it has achieved for the national health service.

Mr. Sackville

Since it was established, the National Health Service Supplies Authority has brought together over 70 separate local supplies organisations, providing better value for money for its NHS customers.

Better buying has already achieved savings of £60 million, and a further £25 million of savings are targeted by March 1994.

Operating costs have been reduced by about £15 million through a 10 per cent. reduction in staffing, closure of unnecessary stores, and rationalisation of information technology and other services. Service efficiency has improved in terms of faster order responses and stock turnover, and better financial and management control.

These improvements mean that more resources are now available for patient care.