NMH

NMH | 2024 202 Administration 2 024 was again another challenging year for all staff in the Purchasing and Supplies Department. Activity throughout the Hospital remained at a very high level. We continue to face immense challenges to the supply chain as a result of huge increases in shipping issues/costs, a worldwide shortage of raw materials and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Medical Device Regulations continue to present challenges resulting in product withdrawal, inability to supply and various other issues impacting the supply chain. We were forced on an increasing number of occasions to seek alternative products for stock/non stock items. The flexibility, understanding and support of Department Managers throughout the Hospital in relation to these issues was very much appreciated. At all times during this year, we remained focused on the requirements of our Hospital Departments and Clinics whilst mitigating the impact of these market conditions. Purchasing and Supplies Audits including the annual audit took place in 2024 and as always our full co-operation was provided. These audits are an essential part of what we do in the Department to ensure best practice is adhered to at all times. Some of the projects initiated within our Department in 2024 include invoice reconciliation review, the revision, updating and uploading of our stock and non- stock requisitions to the extranet and a full overhaul of our local purchasing and supplies documents. We have noted the very positive results from these local projects undertaken by our team and will continue to monitor on an ongoing basis thus ensuring we deliver as efficient a service as possible. In September our Financial System was upgraded with downtime kept to a minimum and a seamless transition. Our team are now benefitting from the additional features of this upgraded Anne Lopez, CMM2 Gynaecology Ward and Celine Graham, Purchasing Department. version. We would like to express our thanks to all involved. We continue to work closely with the Tendering Department, holding monthly meetings where we receive contract updates and exchange relevant information. We thank them for all their assistance and support throughout the year. The business of the Department is to provide maximum service with minimum risk whilst at all times striving to provide a high quality patient focused service. This would not be achieved without the continued dedication and commitment of all members of the Purchasing and Supplies Team. We would like to thank every member of the Department for their hard work and support and we look forward to a successful 2025 and all the challenges it will bring. Lorraine McLoughlin & Linda Mulligan, Purchasing Managers.

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