A solid strategy for procuring workplace supplies can help ease some pressures for healthcare organisations. Here are five ways to achieve that:

1. Five ways for healthcare
organisations to save on workplace
supplies

2. Improved spend on
workplace supplies is
key because:
• The NHS is
addressing challenge
of delivering £22
million in savings by
2020/2021
• Including saving
£700 million from
improved
procurement

3. Stationery, furniture, cleaning products and office technology…..
…. may not seem as critical to the frontline as, for example, clinical equipment
But working strategically with these suppliers can achieve:
• Effective savings
• Improved performance
• Genuine long term efficiencies

4. A solid strategy for
workplace supplies can
play a part in easing
pressures in an NHS
that’s dealing with:
• Significant financial
pressures
• Lack of continuity of
frontline staff
• A demand for high
levels of patient care
Here are five ways to do
that:

5. 1. Keep an open mind
Best mix of workplace supplies to deliver desired outcomes could be different
from assumptions
Partnership with framework supplier may help to spot alternative opportunities
for savings and improved compliance
Cutting lower value spend products may deliver quick savings, but the
significant long term savings contribution may be via a different route

6. 2. Involve and plan
Your workplace supplies partner should be an extension of your procurement
team
They can deliver strong inputs and help to ensure changes are implemented
smoothly if involved from the outset
Change also more successful if internal teams are also brought in from the start
and their support secured
Meet so that everyone can agree priorities and understand outline objectives

7. 2. Involve and plan
By speaking to people
across your organisation,
the supplier can identify
previously unseen
opportunities to improve
overall efficiencies and
reduce overall costs
Possible this will indicate
increased spending on
certain supplies or
alternative suggestions that
need further research

8. 3. Relationships
In selecting the best procurement partners, look for individuals who
are capable of engaging staff at all levels and gaining the trust of all
departments
One great strength of consolidating the supply chain is the strong face
to face working relationship you can build

9. 3. Relationships
The personal touch makes a big difference when it comes to managing
change, delivering training and ensuring end user satisfaction
Consider the individuals who may become an extension of the procurement
team and realise their prospective value, particularly in a heavily cost savings
targeted environment

10. 4. Cross category expertise
Consolidation in workplace supplies can mean looking for cross category expertise
from one supplier
Achieving this shouldn't mean a compromise
A good framework supplier should have expertise in multiple product groups, with
specialists able to ensure on-going contract management support for the life of the
contract across all product areas

11. 4. Cross category expertise
Seek out partners who have experts in each of the product fields, from technology
and cleaning through to stationery and furniture
This specialist expertise - all under one roof – is then complemented by the
benefits of fewer invoices, fewer deliveries and less supplier management

12. 5. On-going support
The support of specialists throughout the contract life will enable you to
continually review and implement savings
Look for full access to your framework supplier so that you receive the on-going
support and expertise you need
Good suppliers will respond effectively to any changing requests and act flexibly
as the needs of your organisation change

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