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By James Thirkill Director of Business Development NHS Shared Business Services |
Let’s face it—procurement in healthcare has been stuck in a cycle of inefficiencies for far too long. Too many systems, too many manual steps, and not enough visibility.
At NHS Shared Business Services, we’ve seen first-hand how fragmented processes slow things down, create unnecessary costs, and take valuable time away from what really matters—delivering outstanding patient care. It’s time for a smarter, streamlined approach.
Why procurement needed a rethink.
Across integrated care systems procurement has traditionally been inconsistent. Different trusts had different ways of working, leading to contract leakage, inefficiencies, and a lack of oversight. And let’s not forget that thousands of users engage in procurement across the system—most of whom aren’t procurement or finance professionals. If a process isn’t simple, intuitive, and automated, it’s just another roadblock in their day.
The solution: smarter, simpler, and automated.
We knew change had to happen. By implementing a single, integrated enhanced purchase-to-pay (EP2P) system across the five providers in Norfolk and Waveney, we’ve reimagined how procurement works — making it faster, easier, and more cost-effective. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- One system, one way of working. Standardised processes across all trusts mean less confusion and fewer errors
- Automation where it matters. 94% of purchase orders are now automatically dispatched, cutting down manual work and ensuring compliance
- Real-time visibility. No more chasing approvals or wondering where an order is—everything is trackable in one place
- Smarter sourcing. Integrated supplier catalogues ensure consistent pricing and contract alignment, eliminating waste and supporting compliant automation
The impact: real savings, real efficiency.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Requisition time cut by 90%
- £3.9 million in cash-releasing savings
- Full stock visibility across ICS, reducing shortages and excess inventory
This isn’t just about shaving minutes off a process—it’s about giving procurement teams the time and space to focus on more strategic initiatives that drive long-term value.
What’s next? Even bigger wins.
This is just the beginning. The real opportunity lies in taking things further—expanding inventory management, tapping into AI for demand forecasting, and automating even more of the day-to-day tasks that slow procurement teams down. Accurate data and automation will also support faster close from a Finance perspective… but that’s for another blog!
The way we see it, procurement should be an enabler, not a barrier. By making it smarter and more intuitive, we’re not just saving tax money—we’re helping hospital staff with their most valuable commodity, time! Freeing up time to make a real difference where it counts, focusing on strategic value add activity.
The future of procurement is here, and it’s about time. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
If you would like a FREE one-hour conversation with myself or a member of my team on EP2P, or challenges you are facing in P2P, either in your trust or integrated care system, please get in touch.
