PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NEWS

  

News

7 February 2013

Delivering efficiency, quality & sustainability in healthcare through innovation procurement

Given the large scale and consumption of the health-care sector, necessitated by its 24/7 operation hours, CO2 emissions are high. In response to this, the LCB-HEALTHCARE project tested innovation procurement and carbon reduction methodologies within hospitals in four countries; England, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland. The project, which ended in October 2012, recently published its experiences and lessons learned.

10 main lessons were uncovered, ranging from the necessity of understanding potential future needs, to involving users in the procurement process, to finding the best value as opposed to the lowest price. The advantages of being an ambitious customer and asking for what is needed, rather than what is currently possible, was also emphasised. The guidance is complete with case study examples from European health-care centres.

Through increasing procurement of innovation it was demonstrated that tangible benefits arise to both patients and the environment. Dr Jonathan Frost, Industry Chairman of the LCB-HEALTHCARE Steering Group, said: “Companies and investors will innovate and invest to provide cost effective solutions to meet our needs. But, only if policies and the behaviour of customers support the business case for their investment. This means changing the way [the healthcare sector] engages with suppliers and plans and manages purchasing.”

To view the document, click here.