Latest rules for agency staff procurement


Requirement to use approved frameworks for all agency staff procurement

From 1st April 2016, all trusts subject to the agency rules have been mandated by NHS Improvement (formerly Monitor/TDA) to procure all agency staff including nurses, doctors and other clinical staff via an approved framework provider.

Further information on the agency rules and price caps can be found here

HealthTrust Europe is an NHS Improvement approved framework provider and we are supporting trusts nationwide to procure their agency staff at the best possible rates in line with the price caps via a compliant route.

In situations where it is necessary to break glass on the grounds of patient safety, it is important that trusts do not move off framework to source agency workers. We have seen multiple examples of this costing trusts substantially more than staying on framework. In these instances we will work with you to ensure on framework delivery of agency staff at the best possible rates in line with the price caps.

HealthTrust Europe supported its customers in reducing above cap transactions by 7% in the month of March.

Our “Top Caps” league tables are now available to support our members in the procurement of agency staff. League tables are trust-specific and data-driven, providing you with a quick and easy method to select agencies that have demonstrated adherence to caps in specific band and grade options both regionally and by trust.

For assistance in eradicating your off framework spend and ensuring NHS Improvement compliance, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated agency team on 0845 8874 979 or by email at agency@htepg.com

 

HTE Supports SAFERjobs Initiative

The joint Metropolitan Police and Recruitment Industry Counter-Fraud organisation, known as SAFERjobs, (Safe Advice for Employment and Recruitment) is a non-profit making organisation created to raise awareness and combat criminal activities that may be attempted on those within the industry or through the services provided by the industry.

HealthTrust Europe (HTE) is committed to combatting fraud and bad practice. We have been working closely with the SAFERjobs team to enhance the support we provide to agencies and Trusts within the NHS market place.

HTE supports the approach to create a centralised gateway, for the reporting of serious incidents that affect our customer base and allows for investigation by the appropriate body.

We are working to develop awareness of the initiative with our awarded suppliers to ensure that we are at the forefront of providing robust, high-quality services to our customers. Alignment to such valuable initiatives demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in providing Agency Staffing procurement to the NHS and our wider customer base.

”SAFERjobs, as the home of job seeker safety, is determined to ensure job searching is safe for both job seekers and employers alike. By working with innovative, trustworthy organisations such as HTE, we believe the NHS and recruitment agencies will reduce the cost of fraud, improve the reputation of the recruitment industry, and keep the public safe in their job search.” Keith Rosser, Chair – SAFERjobs 

A list of partners that work with the SAFERjobs initiative can be found here.

HTE Launches TrainingSmart in Partnership with Neuven Solutions

The TrainingSmart programme has been developed to provide the healthcare recruitment industry with a robust, high-quality training service. This initiative aims to provide both awarded and aspiring agencies with the tools for best practice, continuous improvement and staff development opportunities. This will enable customers to be confident that agencies can demonstrate high standards in compliance, ethical recruitment, and organisational integrity. 

 “The launch of these services demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in providing Agency Staffing procurement to the NHS and our wider customer base. We aim to utilise the services to support industry standards and to complement our independent audit services in providing a pro-active mechanism for raising the bar in quality.” Gary Snart, Agency Staffing Category Manager at HTE

HealthTrust Europe (HTE) has a long-standing relationship with Neuven Solutions, its independent auditor, and views this initiative as a platform to enhance its Agency Staffing offering and support NHS Trusts in a difficult and changing market place.

“Neuven Solutions Ltd (NSL) are delighted to partner with Health Trust Europe (HTE) to offer a range of services designed to ensure that the procurers of temporary staffing labour are protected by receiving the highest standard of agency staff.

Throughout our long and successful partnership with HTE, we have been delighted to support their commitment to compliance and continuous improvement and we are confident that these products will continue to increase standards across the board.” John Simmonds Chief Executive, Neuven Solutions Ltd.

For further information, please contact our Helpdesk on 0845 887 5000 or email helpdesk@healthtrusteurope.com

Monitor Approved Agency Staffing Frameworks

In line with the agency rules for the procurement of agency staff, Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority (TDA) have now published a list of approved frameworks. The latest communication from Monitor can be viewed here.

In line with the agency rules for the procurement of agency staff, Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority (TDA) have now published a list of approved frameworks. The latest communication from Monitor can be viewed here.

Trusts subject to the agency rules are required to procure all agency staff via an approved framework from this list from 1st April 2016.

HealthTrust Europe (HTE) is pleased to announce that we have gained approval from Monitor and the TDA for our frameworks listed below:

  • Medical Locums and Locum GPs
  • Nursing and Care Services
  • Allied Health Professionals (AHP/HSS)

Further framework information including a list of awarded suppliers can be found in the framework briefs accessed via our Corporate Portfolio page.

HTE is developing an enhanced Total Workforce Solutions framework which will fully incorporate all agency worker groups including an NMNC offering and extended scope for executive resourcing. This new framework is being designed to facilitate your short, medium and long-term resourcing strategies and will be available to access no later than 1st November 2016.

Should you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated agency team on 0845 8874 979 or by email at agency@htepg.com

Clinical Involvement Drives Improved Patient Outcome and Purchasing Value for Liverpool Women’s Hospital

HealthTrust Europe (HTE) has supported Liverpool Women’s Hospital (LWH), one of its long-standing members, to achieve clinical benefits in the area of laparoscopic surgical procedures, as well as significant price discounts through the use of a single device across the majority of Laparoscopic surgical cases.

Theatres at the hospital, previously used three different electro surgical devices when carrying out laparoscopic surgical procedures, which incurred a total annual spend of £131k. The surgical team at LWH working with HTE explored the opportunity to standardise to a single device in order to increase productivity through quicker set up times, and reduce clinical risk through better training of one device.

Applied Medical and a multidisciplinary team from HTE worked with LWH to assess the clinical benefits and identify price discounts that could be achieved. In March last year, LWH became the first NHS trust in the country to clinically trial the latest VoyantTM fusion device. The clinicians were involved from inception, having the opportunity to receive product demonstrations and one-to-one discussions with the supplier’s educational representatives, and join discussions with the procurement team.

Both surgeons and nursing staff were involved in the evaluation process which resulted in the new product demonstrating direct contributions to improved patient outcomes. Key metrics in the clinical report showed visibility during tissue sealing and sealing performance was superior.

Following the success of the clinical trial, LWH proceeded with the full implementation of the VoyantTM fusion device. In addition to the clinical benefits, the implementation of the Voyant device has resulted in a 40% price discount which will drive significant savings to the theatre budget.

LWH have also received the Innovation Award for the Voyant project at the 2015 North West Excellence in Supply Awards and have been shortlisted for the National GO Awards.

 “Clinical engagement has been a real factor in the success of this procurement process, enabling the use of innovative products and driving long term acceptance. This project has also provided the very best example of how successful collaboration can deliver greater efficiency and improved patient outcomes.” Liam Reynolds, Head of Procurement at Liverpool Women`s NHS Foundation Trust

HTE has since worked with a number of other trusts to identify price discounts on their current spend. If you would like some advice from our category specialist please contact our Helpdesk on 0845 887 5000 or email customercare@htepg.com

Renewed Blood and Specimen Collection Systems Framework Available

The renewed framework offers a complete range of blood and specimen collection systems and accessories covering faeces, urine, saliva, sputum and other bodily fluids or specimens, all within one simple-to-access agreement.

The direct award framework includes an enhanced product range across market-leading suppliers, which includes, but is not limited to, needles, lancets, tubes, trays and dishes, caps, tourniquets, luer adapters and transfer devices.

The framework allows Trusts to unlock several levels of discount through consortia and commitment based models. Determining the appropriate banded price is a quick and simple process allowing the Trust access to the framework agreement without the need for further mini-competitions or protracted supplier discussions

Each of the appointed suppliers has been rigorously vetted in terms of their quality and value propositions through a robust, compliant evaluation process.

Using the logistics option to purchase goods eliminates the need to store large quantities of product on site. It also allows for next day delivery directly to the point of requisition.

For further information, please visit our Pathology page to download the framework brief.

Alternatively contact our Helpdesk on 0845 887 5000 or email customercare@htepg.com

Renewed X-Ray Contrast Media Framework Offers Superior Product Range

The HealthTrust Europe (HTE) renewed framework agreement for X-Ray Contrast Media and Associated Products has been enhanced to cover all types of contrast media, as well as Injectors and accessories. The Category Manager engaged with local Radiographers to develop a specification aligned with Trust requirements and clinical needs.

The HealthTrust Europe (HTE) renewed framework agreement for X-Ray Contrast Media and Associated Products has been enhanced to cover all types of contrast media, as well as Injectors and accessories. The Category Manager engaged with local Radiographers to develop a specification aligned with Trust requirements and clinical needs.

The direct award framework has five key market-leading suppliers that provide a comprehensive range of products. These include:

  • Bayer
  • Bracco
  • GE Healthcare
  • Guerbet Laboratories LTD
  • Mallinckrodt UK Commercial Limited

Each of the vetted suppliers appointed to the framework agreement has tendered fixed prices, with discounts available depending on the volume of the contract. All prices are fixed for life of the contract.

The suppliers will fully support any training requirements as well as auditing current usage with the view to rationalising spends down to two suppliers.

For further information, please visit our Pharmacy Portfolio page to download the framework brief.

Alternatively contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 887 5000 or email customercare@htepg.com

New Clinically-Led Renal Framework

The HealthTrust Europe (HTE) framework for Renal Dialysis and Home Haemodialysis Consumables, Equipment, Associated Products and Services provides trusts with an opportunity to source a complete renal solution.

The new framework supersedes previous Haemodialysis Consumables and Home Haemodialysis frameworks, with the addition of five new Lots to provide an enhanced offering for trusts. This framework now covers the requirements for Haemodialysis Consumables, Home Haemodialysis, Dialysis Equipment, Dialysis Prescription Boxes, Peritoneal Dialysis and Dialysis Water Treatment.

The framework has been developed with both clinical and commercial involvement, enabling trusts to rationalise the supplier base and drive price discounts through aggregation of volume, whilst improving clinical efficacy. Clinical alignment has been fundamental in order to drive specification, meet end-consumer needs and develop effective contracting strategies.

The breadth of service and product offering enables trusts to procure a complete renal solution in a variety of ways, including the opportunity to aggregate Lots to access price discounts. It also allows multiple trusts to leverage their aggregated demand to unlock further price discounts under our committed spend Group Purchasing Model.

For further information, please visit our Pharmacy Portfolio page to download the framework brief.

Alternatively contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 887 5000 or email customercare@htepg.com

 

Renewed Legal Services Framework Goes Live

The HealthTrust Europe (HTE) Legal Services framework agreement offers a simple, compliant route to market for the procurement of quality legal services.  The framework is free to access and offers public sector users the flexibility for both direct call-off and further competition access.

The framework agreement includes a wide variety of specialist suppliers across eight areas of law: Corporate Governance, Healthcare, Contract and Commercial, Employment, Property, Corporate Finance & PFI/PPP, Intellectual Property, IT & eCommerce and Environmental.  Framework suppliers are fully engaged and ready to support users of the framework; committing to offering a range of discounts and services including telephone and written advice free-of-charge to help address their requirements.

A simplified pricing structure offers competitive hourly rates, which have been fixed for the duration of the framework, as well as options for blended rates, capped rates and fixed fee options for projects or long term engagements. The framework also offers customers the flexibility to access the framework for standalone short-term pieces of work or longer term call-offs over several years.

For further information, please visit our Purchased Services Portfolio page to download the framework brief.

Alternatively contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 887 5000 or email customercare@htepg.com

 

Bulk Delivery of Continence Products Framework Now Available

HealthTrust Europe (HTE) is pleased to announce that the renewed framework agreement for bulk delivery of continence products is now available, offering full provision of continence products with supplementary associated services and support.

A wider range of key market leading suppliers have been successfully awarded onto the framework, providing an enhanced range of products, support and delivery options.

The framework has three Lots covering all wearable continence products, absorbent bed sheets and under pads, as well as hygiene products for continence care. In addition, suppliers now also offer supplementary associated services and support, which includes training, clinical collaboration, reporting and optional IT systems. Members can benefit from banded discount options across each Lot in line with spend, as well as various commitment opportunities.

Suppliers have offered a Squadron logistics route for delivery, which will automatically adopt best pricing from the highest discount band, as well as the option for next day delivery to relieve space restriction issues by allowing lower stock holding.

Members can choose to align their community and acute spend to access additional savings opportunities, by accessing the framework in conjunction with our Continence Home Delivery framework.

For further information, please visit our Core Contract Portfolio page to download the framework brief.

Alternatively contact our Customer Care Team on 0845 887 5000 or email customercare@htepg.com