The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7329 p844
11 December 2004

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New partnership set up between hospitals and a single wholesaler

A confederation of seven NHS trusts has entered a public-private partnership with a pharmaceutical wholesaler to increase its procurement efficiency.

Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Supply Management Confederation conducted a 12-month competitive tendering process before appointing AAH Pharmaceuticals to manage its supply chain.

The idea is that AAH will simplify the procurement process, make it more efficient and minimise stock levels in hospitals. AAH says that the partnership is the first of its kind in the UK.

The seven trusts in the confederation are Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, North Bristol NHS Trust, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Salisbury Healthcare NHS Trust, Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, United Bristol Healthcare Trust and Weston Area Health Trust.