GS1 UK, part of a global organisation that aims to ‘drive supply chain efficiency’ worldwide, has formed a Healthcare Advisory Board, with members ranging from NHS Trust CEOs to the chief executive of the NHS Supply Chain.
Chaired by Professor Duncan Eaton, the Board’s aims include improving patient safety, reducing regulatory non-compliance, and ‘realising valuable cost savings from procurement efficiencies across the NHS ‘through the adoption and implementation of GS1 barcoding standards’.
Last year GS1 barcoding standards were mandated for use in the NHS by the Department of Health’s eProcurement Strategy. Now the Department has asked that Trust CEOs nominate a GS1 lead to drive adoption within a tight timescale. The Healthcare Advisory Board, which has committed to meet for at least two years, will support this adoption drive.
Glen Hodgson, head of healthcare at GS1 UK, said: “Widespread use of GS1 barcoding standards in the NHS can save thousands of lives through improved patient care, and millions of pounds through procurement efficiencies.”
