Delivery of a National Category Management Service
Context
Akeso was successful in winning the contract for Category Tower 8 in 2018 to deliver the category management, procurement and sourcing service to NHS Supply Chain for Diagnostic, Pathology and Therapy Technologies and Services.
In 2018, eight different “category towers” were launched to improve the service level and financial efficiency for the NHS through improved procurement practices.
For the last five years, Akeso have led on the delivery of category management, procurement and sourcing on behalf of NHS Supply Chain for Diagnostic, Pathology and Therapy Technologies and Services.
Methodology
NHS Supply Chain delivers supply chain excellence and best value to NHS customers and patients through innovation, service and clinical expertise.
Together, we have:
NHS Engagement
Engaged with all NHS organisations to establish the current service delivery for pathology.
Trust Support
Supported the majority of Trusts in determining the best routes for procurement and advising on their specifications and supporting the development of their business case.
Supplier Network Development
Built up supplier and Trade Association (BIVDA and ABHI) networks within Pathology, liaising with suppliers in this market on a daily basis.
Framework Launch
Launched and implemented the first NHS Supply Chain framework agreement to provide a sourcing route for managed services for pathology.
National Delivery Management
Managed stock, cross dock and direct product and services nationally for pathology through NHS Supply Chain.
Strategic Alignment
Developed strong links with the national pathology programme and GIRFT to ensure that the frameworks and services provided support national strategy.
Impact
Akeso developed two approved business cases, including the completed clinical engagement, healthcare planning, demand modelling, intervention planning, and design work, all supported by the organisation’s clinical teams. In total, the Health on the High Street project was forecast to deliver over £3.1m in annual benefits, including:
Savings delivered against a cumulative target of £70 million, exceeding target by £40 million
Pathology-specific savings achieved on a transacted spend under management of over £150 million
Sustained national impact through continuous engagement, alignment to strategy, and framework innovation
