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Double delight for UHNM at national procurement awards

The procurement team at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) have beaten dozens of other shortlisted organisations to scoop two prestigious national awards.

The North Midlands and Black Country Procurement Group (NMBC), of which UHNM is host Trust, has won the ‘Clinical Procurement in Partnership Award’ at the annual NHS Healthcare Supplies Association (HCSA) awards.

Nathan Joy-Johnson, Group Director of Procurement at the NMBC also took home the ‘Procurement/Supply Chain Leader’ Award.

Nathan said: “Whilst it was a nice surprise to win the award, for me it is also a credit to the wider leadership and management team, as well as each of the 150 staff in the NMBC. The senior leaders and myself played a part, but we are just one part of the procurement group.    

“Being nominated by colleagues is fantastic, and to have that recognition from the team is really good. For me though, its about the team and the work they do, and I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me.”

The NMBC encompasses six organisations and is the biggest group procurement organisation in the NHS.

The team were awarded the Clinical Procurement in Partnership Award in recognition of a project to improve the care and experience of bariatric patients across the group. 

Sian Fumarola, Head of Clinical Procurement said: “The award is in recognition of a new collaborative contract for equipment rental for bariatric patients across Trusts in the network to improve patient safety and experience. We went out and did some engagement across sites over 12 months with multiple stakeholders to resolve problems with ordering and getting the right equipment in order to improve patient pathways. 

“It was a lovely award ceremony, and great to get the recognition, but amazing to share it all with colleagues, as so many people have been involved with the journey. 

“As a nurse, the focus is always on the patient and that’s what we’re here for- improving patient outcomes as well as the day-to-day work of the staff.”