asked the Minister for Health the regulations which exist to ensure that health boards and publicly-funded voluntary hospitals exercise the greatest care in the purchasing of supplies and equipment to ensure that there is value for money; if he has satisfied himself that the system of tendering and quoting for such contracts is fair; if he will outline the checks made by his Department in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hospitals' Supplies.
278.
Purchasing contracts for public hospitals or publicly funded voluntary hospitals are subject to tender and contract conditions which place a very strong emphasis on equity and value for money. Local government auditors and my Department's own audit service carry out checks to ensure that these requirements are implemented in a satisfactory manner.
I would add that a special cost-containment unit is now functioning in my Department and it is in constant touch with hospital authorities and indeed with individual supplies officers, with the specific objective of maximising value for money. At present the focus of attention is on prices paid for medical and surgical consumables but it is hoped to extend the scope of its activities in the near future.