Benefits of Outsourcing Medicines Procurement

• Focus on Core Competencies: By delegating procurement, healthcare providers can focus precious resources on delivering patient care, improving clinical outcomes, and enhancing patient satisfaction.
• Cost Reduction: Increased purchasing power and combined economies of scale mean wholesaling pharmacies can often negotiate for better prices with suppliers on your behalf, resulting in significant cost savings for the healthcare facility. Wholesaling pharmacies buying on your behalf also take on a portion of the purchasing risk, reducing the financial burden healthcare facilities may incur when coming up against the risk of dead stock or minimum order quantities.
• Improved Efficiency: Outsourcing can streamline the procurement process, reducing administrative burden and freeing up staff time for patient-focused activities. Wholesaling pharmacies tend to have multiple purchase streams for effective procurement which is time-consuming and costly for healthcare facilities to replicate.
• Enhanced Drug Supply Reliability: A dedicated wholesaling pharmacy can maintain optimal inventory levels, reducing the risk of stock-outs and ensuring a consistent supply of medications.
• Expert Pharmaceutical Management: Specialised wholesaling pharmacies possess in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical market, drug regulations, and supply chain management, leading to improved decision-making and risk mitigation. That knowledge can be shared to improve medicines management within the healthcare facility and drive down waste.
• Risk Mitigation: Outsourcing can help mitigate risks associated with drug shortages, counterfeit medications, and regulatory non-compliance.
• Access to Technology: Specialized wholesaling pharmacies often utilise advanced technology to manage inventory, track drug usage, and provide real-time data to healthcare providers.
• Pharmacy Partners. Healthcare facilities may also consider utilising the registered pharmacy to dispense prescriptions issued by their clinicians, streamlining the patient journey as well as improving oversight when it comes to the medicines dispensed for their patients. Bespoke affiliation agreements can make this set up mutually beneficial for both clinic and pharmacy.
• Access to a Pharmacist. Pharmacists are the expert in medicines, and having dedicated access to a pharmacist through an outsourced specialised wholesaling pharmacy service can improve patient safety, help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions and diversify the healthcare facility’s clinical skillset at very little cost.

How Burlington Pharma Can Help

Burlington Pharma is a GPhC-registered Pharmacy with a WDA(H) wholesale license granted by the MHRA. We offer comprehensive medicines procurement solutions as well as a Pharmacy Partner service tailored to the needs of clinics and hospitals.

• Customized Procurement Services: Burlington Pharma works closely with healthcare facilities to understand their unique requirements and develop tailored procurement strategies.
• Competitive Pricing: Leveraging our strong relationships with suppliers, we are able to secure competitive prices on a wide range of medications. We will work closely with you to ensure your procurements needs are met and to budget.
• Efficient Order Processing: Streamlined order processing and delivery systems ensure timely and accurate fulfilment of medication orders.
• Inventory Management: Advanced inventory management systems help optimize stock levels, reduce wastage, and prevent stock-outs.
• Drug Information Services: Burlington Pharma provides access to up-to-date drug information and clinical support to healthcare professionals.
• Regulatory Compliance: As a registered pharmacy with a WDA(H) license, Burlington Pharma adheres to strict regulatory standards set by the GPhC and MHRA, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
• Data Analytics: Leveraging data analytics, Burlington Pharma can identify trends in drug usage, and work with you to optimise purchasing decisions and provide valuable insights to optimise your practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Outsourcing medicines procurement can free up valuable resources and improve efficiency within healthcare facilities.
• Specialised wholesaling pharmacies like Burlington Pharma offer expertise, purchasing power, and technology to optimise the procurement process.
• Burlington Pharma provides comprehensive procurement services tailored to the needs of clinics and hospitals.
• By partnering with a specialised wholesaling pharmacy like Burlington Pharma, healthcare organisations can achieve cost savings, enhance drug supply reliability, and improve patient care.

These disruptions can lead to delays in patient care, increased costs, and heightened staff stress. However, by implementing effective strategies and collaborating with wholesale partners like Burlington Pharma, healthcare providers can significantly improve their ability to manage medicine supply shortages, maintain patient care, and optimise operational efficiency.

Figure 1: Shortage Management Process from ‘A Guide to Managing Medicines Supply and Shortages’ by the NHSE&I Medicines and Diagnostics Policy Unit and DHSC Medicines Supply Team, published November 2019.

Key Strategies for Managing Medicine Shortages

• Proactive Planning: Develop a comprehensive shortage management plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures for addressing supply disruptions. Identify critical medications and patient populations most vulnerable to shortages.
• Effective Communication: Establish clear communication channels with staff, patients, and suppliers. Timely information sharing about shortages can help manage expectations and avoid unnecessary anxiety.
• Risk Assessment and Prioritisation: Continuously assess the risk of shortages for essential medications. Prioritise the allocation of available supplies to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable patients are met.
• Alternative Treatments: Explore clinically appropriate alternatives, such as different formulations or dosages, to maintain patient care.
• Inventory Management: Optimise inventory levels to balance the need for adequate supply with cost-effectiveness. Consider implementing just-in-time inventory systems for non-critical medications.
• Collaboration: Work closely with suppliers, wholesalers, and other healthcare providers to share information, identify solutions, and optimize supply chains.

The Role of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers

Pharmaceutical wholesalers play a vital role in mitigating medicine supply shortages. Companies like Burlington Pharma can offer several advantages to healthcare providers:

• Supply Chain Expertise: Wholesalers have a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical supply chain, enabling them to identify potential disruptions early and implement proactive measures.
• Inventory Optimisation: By maintaining robust inventory levels and optimising stock distribution, wholesalers can help reduce the risk of stockouts. We work with individual healthcare providers to come up with personalised solutions.
• Product Substitution: Burlington Pharma can often provide alternative products or formulations when faced with shortages, ensuring continuity of care.
• Data Analytics: Advanced data analytics can help wholesalers identify trends, predict shortages, and optimise stock levels, benefiting their customers.
• Dedicated Support: Burlington Pharma offers dedicated support teams to assist healthcare providers in managing shortages, providing guidance and resources.

Burlington Pharma is committed to supporting healthcare providers in overcoming the challenges posed by medicine supply shortages. By leveraging our expertise, resources, and partnerships, we aim to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential medicines to patients.