ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the case of purchasing and supply in the English National Health Service (NHS). The first section describes the complex structure of the NHS, and its various purchasing and supply organizations; provides information on expenditure and the extent to which it is influenced by purchasing professionals; explains how goods and services are sourced; and describes the key characteristics of markets that supply the NHS. The second section focuses on key reforms currently under way in the NHS, and discusses how these reforms are influencing efforts to design and implement structures and practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement, and so deliver better value-for-money goods and services. 1
