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2020 | NMH Annual Rep t Brian Byrne, (Left) and Paul O'Brien (Right) Supplies Officers with Damien McKeown Project Manager. 190 Administration T wenty twenty was an unprecedented year for all staff in the Purchasing & Supplies Department. We faced immense challenges to the supply chain as well as joining an exceptional worldwide demand on all Personal Protected Equipment (PPE) related products. We remained focused on the requirements of our hospital departments and clinics whilst also mitigating the impact of these unprecedented market conditions. Due to a massive collective work effort and tenacious approach, we were at all times able to meet the demands for not only our regular stock but also all stock relating to PPE. With the assistance of Unit Managers, we identified and secured a supply of critical items both COVID-19 and non COVID-19 related which were held in an off-site facility. This was a preventative measure in the event of a stock out situation which proved an invaluable exercise as we faced some very challenging supply related issues throughout the year. Due to a worldwide shortage of raw materials we were forced to seek alternative suppliers/products for our regular stock on a number Purchasing and Supplies of occasions. The flexibility and understanding of our Unit Managers throughout the hospital was very much appreciated. We would like to say a special thank you to the tendering team who not only liaised with the Ireland East Hospital Group and HSE but were invaluable in sourcing additional/alternative products. Their dedication, commitment and support were greatly appreciated during this period. Our annual audit was undertaken remotely in March and as always our full co-operation was provided at all times. We wish to extend a huge thank you to all the staff in this department for going above and beyond the call of duty. It is clear we could not have met the demands put upon us without their tenacity, flexibility and generosity of spirit. Unification of all members of the team got us through the most challenging year of our working lives and we are truly grateful.