Two members of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals’ (DBH) Procurement Department have been recognised for their innovative and dedicated approach to getting the most cost-effective deals for the Trust.
Head of Procurement, Andrea Smith, has been nominated for NHS Leadership Academy’s Emerging Leader Award for leading her team to deliver cost-saving measures which will total over £2 million by the end of this financial year. It is predicted a further £2 million will be achieved by the end of March 2018.
Andrea joined the Trust as Head of Procurement in 2014, and has helped transform the department into a high performing team that is well respected throughout the entire organisation. Since the Trust began its financial recovery journey in November last year, Andrea has also been the lead for Procurement within the Turnaround Programme, achieving savings of £909k at month six of the financial year.
The Procurement Department at DBH is responsible for managing purchasing activity, negotiating pricing for essential items and planning what the organisation will need in the future, in order to continue delivering high quality care as efficiently as possible.
Leading her team to make efficiencies and develop innovative schemes, Andrea’s deputy, Richard Somerset, has recently received a ‘Highly Commended Award’ at the annual Health Care Supply Excellence Awards for his project management of a joint venture between DBH, North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and United Lincolnshire Hospitals.
Working with the two neighbouring trusts, Richard was instrumental in negotiating with a new agency to supply locum doctors, saving almost £4 million and securing a vastly improved deal for the local NHS.
Andrea said: “The Procurement department has worked very hard over the past number of years to ensure that we get the best deal for the Trust, as well as the tax payer, ensuring we are as effective as possible with every penny of public money we receive. While it’s nice to be recognised for this award I can’t thank the team enough for their dedication and I share this nomination with them.”
Dawn Jarvis, Director of Strategy and Improvement, said: “I’m delighted that Andrea has been shortlisted for this award. Thanks to her leadership and influence we now have a Procurement department which delivers a modern, efficient and effective service which compliments the Trust and is essential as we head towards recovery. “
The Yorkshire and Humber Leadership Academy’s Regional Leadership Recognition Awards ceremony takes place 8 December 2016.