Media Centre :: Press Release
08/05/02
Modernising supply in the NHS: ABHI responds
The ABHI (Association of British Health-Care Industries) has
responded to a 'fundamental re-organisation of purchasing and
supply in the NHS' reported in the NHS PaSA's 'Modernising supply
in the NHS' published last week.
ABHI Director-General Gordon Aylward has warned: 'There are
currently significant differences in performances across the NHS.
The creation of a middle tier (Supply Management Confederations)
should not create additional bureaucracy in a system still
struggling to find its feet.'
Speaking at an ABHI reimbursement and HTA Forum, Neil Argyle,
Associate Director of Policy and Performance said: '...for industry
this will mean an investment in major equipment...and
innovation'
Colin Morgan, Chairman of ABHI said: 'The idea that industry will
benefit from another change in the organisational structure of the
NHS has yet to be demonstrated. It is a challenge for many British
companies to keep updated with the present changes that the NHS
forces upon the manufacturers of medical equipment &
consumables. To allow the industry to respond more quickly and
effectively to these strategic changes in procurement structure, we
encourage PaSA to engage in partnership building at every stage of
their development.'
Notes for editors: * The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the lead trade association for the medical systems industry. This sector comprises not only manufacturers of medical devices, equipment and consumables, but also service companies, distributors, professional groups (such as regulatory consultants and lawyers), and other suppliers to the medical community.
* The ABHI represents approx. 200 member companies with a total domestic turnover of about £3 billion representing approx. 80% of the industry output.
* The membership currently includes several Special Interest Sections and four sectoral trade associations, which in turn have a further 400 member companies.
* Member list: www.abhi.org.uk
* The role of the Association is to:
- Advance and promote medical systems (devices, equipment, technologies and services) within the UK and globally.
- Provide a forum for policy discussion with the industry's customers, legislators, public bodies and interested groups.
For further information contact:
Daniel Jones: 020 7960 4360
Email: daniel.jones@abhi.org.uk
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