Medicines Procurement
The procurement team is responsible for the ordering and receipt of all medication used in the Trust for inpatient and outpatient use. We spend time doing due diligence on all suppliers, ensuring that we can buy from them and know that they are adhering to the correct procedures.
We source alternative medication during times of shortages that we know are safe for patients and the hospital, including medicines not licensed in the UK or that are being used ‘off-label’. We complete risk assessments with the wider team and mitigate risks where possible, liaising with pharmacy colleagues, hospital colleagues and patients regarding medicines supply issues and making sure that all relevant staff are informed of any issues in a timely manner.
We attending regular regional meetings to discuss issues and shortages, and are responsible for handling allocations for the Trust, ensuring that we are doing what we can to get required medicines in. All the while, ensuring that we work within all local, regional and national frameworks as required.
Adhering to regional and national contracts to ensure continuity of care for patients and savings for the NHS, including within other Pharmacy services such as Homecare medicines. Making sure that we provide good value for the Trust and our patients by keeping costs down wherever possible but still ensuring supply as needed.
Ensuring pharmacy computer systems are up to date with all relevant information on contracts, pharmaceutical suppliers, and prices, and using the pharmacy computer system to manage stock levels to meet demand.