The operation will roll out over the next 12 months and CEVA will deliver consumable materials to up to 40 main hospitals in Scotland by the end of the year (2008).

NHS Scotland National Procurement is an NHS Scotland central service, supporting the 15 Health Boards in Scotland. Until about two years ago, each of these boards was responsible for its own sourcing of consumable items such as hand towels, sanitary items, plastic bottles and tubes.  

CEVA’s in-depth knowledge of the healthcare sector and its rigorous systems for monitoring and controlling service levels helped it win the multi-million pound contract. Rob McWhirter, Managing Director, Business Development for CEVA in the UK said: “We are able to demonstrate by setting tough standards and always measuring results, we ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement – key factors which are critical to the NHS Scotland operation.”

Two years ago NHS Scotland decided it was more efficient and cost-effective to offer the boards a central purchasing and sourcing function for certain product categories, and set up an NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, just south of Glasgow, from where CEVA manages its distribution contract.   Stephen Mitchell, NHS Operations Manager, NDC and Transport, said “CEVA’s experience in operating transport contracts of this type is second to none.  We awarded the contract knowing that the service would be in safe hands.”

Rob McWhirter said: “We are working with NHS Scotland National Procurement to consider all the possibilities for expanding and improving the service, including night-time deliveries and inbound supplier collections.  The contract has great potential to expand and grow.”