NHS suppliers - UNISON response

Commenting on research exposing the differing costs of medical supplies, Sara Gorton, UNISON Deputy Head of Health, said:

“It is a disgrace that medical suppliers should exploit the NHS by charging as much as they can get away with. NHS logistics was created to help bring in economies of scale, but that has since been privatised and it seems clear that the NHS and its patients are the losers.

“The unwillingness of Trusts to share information is part and parcel of introducing more of the culture of private companies into the NHS. Sharing information is key to extending good practice and patient care as well as getting the best value for money. Sadly introducing competition undermines willingness to do just that.

“Frontline’ is not just about clinical staff - research like this shows the important role in stopping waste that can be played by properly run finance and procurement departments with access to good quality information on costs.

“The NHS is under severe financial pressure because of the Government’s demands for £20bn in efficiency savings. More transparency in the marketplace would help to save jobs and reduce cuts which would be good news for patients, staff and the taxpayer.