Chamber and committees

This framework agreement commenced on 1 November 2009, therefore, it is not possible to provide figures for the last three years. However, the following table provides details of purchases by NHS boards under the multi-supplier ranked framework agreement for insulin pumps and related consumables between 1 November 2009 and 31 October 2010.

Source: NHS National Services Scotland.

Under the terms of this multi-supplier ranked framework, NHS boards should give consideration of using the first ranked supplier. However, if this pump does not meet the clinical requirements of the patient, then the suppliers ranked second then third can be considered. Decisions relating to the clinical requirements of patients are made at a local NHS board level.

This framework agreement commenced on 1 November 2009, therefore, it is not possible to provide figures for the last three years. The terms of the insulin pumps and consumables multi-supplier ranked framework agreement indicate that NHS boards must consider the use of the first ranked supplier in the first instance, and then the second and third ranked suppliers dependant on meeting clinical needs. Two NHS boards purchased a total of eleven insulin pumps and related consumables from the first ranked supplier which achieved savings of £1,100.

NHS National Services Scotland''s National Procurement Division works closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that national contracts are fully utilised, taking into account issues of complexity, clinical requirement, choice and value for money. National Procurement Division will continue to demonstrate the benefits of national multi-supplier ranked framework agreements to NHS boards and will seek justification for opting out of national collaborative arrangements should this occur.

NHS National Services Scotland''s National Procurement Division has been very successful in securing best value in procurement, recording over £90 million in savings in the current three-year efficient government programme for 2008-11.

This framework agreement commenced on 1 November 2009, therefore, it is not possible to provide figures for the last three years. However, a total of 187 insulin pumps and related consumables were purchased by NHS boards during the first year of the framework agreement. Should all of these pumps have been purchased through the first ranked supplier the additional savings opportunity is estimated to be in the region of £67,000. However, procurement of the insulin pumps is based on clinical need and this has resulted in NHS boards purchasing supplies from the other ranked suppliers.

This framework agreement commenced on 1 November 2009, therefore, it is not possible to provide figures for the last three years. The initial framework agreement estimated savings opportunities of £278,000 per annum. This represented the maximum opportunity available using the anticipated purchase of 349 insulin pumps per annum and associated consumables of which, 90% would be applied to the first ranked supplier.

NHS National Services Scotland''s National Procurement Division has responsibility for identifying collaborative procurement opportunities across all NHS boards. NHS boards are required to formally assess specific requirements based upon clinical, operational or organisational needs. Information on uptake and compliance to national contracts is routinely collected and shared across NHS boards to ensure best value. Additionally, the annual activity from the pan public sector Procurement Capability Assessment seeks evidence and records performance against national and local contracting arrangements. These results are shared across all NHS boards and the wider Scottish public sector.

NHS National Services Scotland''s National Procurement Division works closely with all NHS boards to ensure that purchasing decisions are made with a view to securing the best possible value for NHSScotland. Details of the potential savings and actual saving achieved are also provided to individual NHS boards to positively influence future procurement decisions.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-37714 on 25 November 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is committed to building HMP Highland as a replacement for HMP Inverness. The SPS is currently seeking a site for this development.

Timing and phasing of expenditure is subject to SPS acquiring a suitable site and securing planning permission. The construction period is expected to be around 18 to 24 months. The project, which is expected to be funded from the SPS capital budget, is expected to cost around £60 million “ actual cost will depend on the market conditions prevailing at the time that bids are submitted. The distribution of expenditure between financial years will depend on the timing of planning permission, availability of the site, award of contract and the contractual works programme. No substantive expenditure is planned for HMP Highland in 2011-12.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-37714 on 25 November 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.