World Class Procurement, Market Stimulation and Commercial Approaches to NHS Commissioning

World class commissioning and the latest phase of the modernisation agenda have emphasised an enhanced role for procurement, market stimulation and the adoption of commercial approaches in driving NHS improvement.

Procurement and market management are key enablers of value for money and long-term financial sustainability for a health economy. Understanding this is, in turn, a key enabler to finance professionals delivering financial objectives and to Primary Care Trusts delivering on their wider obligations.

This publication defines and describes the procurement and market stimulation framework, the opportunities within it, and the potential it has for NHS commissioning.

It brings together the detail and principles of healthcare commissioning, procurement and market stimulation in one easy-to-follow package and includes essential information and advice on subjects such as:

• principles of healthcare procurement     
• the commercial operating model
• the procurement process
• healthcare market analysis and market characteristics
• value for money and procurement
• the national commercial and competitive framework
• third sector market development.

With worked examples and case studies throughout the publication, this guide is essential to understanding and achieving world class commissioning procurement and market stimulation status for your organisation.

While procurement professionals will deliver the agenda, a working knowledge is essential for executives, non-executives, senior managers and finance professionals in primary care trusts. This knowledge will lead to corporate engagement, endorsement and support. In addition, if executives and managers from provider organisations, and those working in social care roles within local authorities, wish to gain an understanding of the direction of travel for their health economy, this publication will provide this to you.