Vol. 515 No. 4
124 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which health boards and hospitals will save £12.5 million on purchases and supplies; and if he has satisfied himself that the demands in these areas by his Department will not impact negatively on the quality of the health services. [6439/00]
The report of the materials management advisory group, May 1996, stated that significant savings could be achieved within the health sector by modernising the materials management function. Since the report, a healthcare materials management board has been established together with a reorganisation of structures, including the appointment of regional materials managers in each of the health board and health authority areas to ensure that the strategies outlined in the report are implemented in the most practical and efficient manner.
A targeted national plan for savings, including performance indicators for purchasing and inventory management, is currently being finalised by the HMMB in conjunction with the regional materials managers. This plan is designed to ensure that the required savings targets are achieved, co-operation is maximised and best practice prevails. I believe that with the appropriate co-operation between the health agencies in quickly putting this plan into action these savings will not impact negatively on the quality of the health service.
