NHS Supply Chain has announced Joe Harrison CBE (pictured) as the new Chair of the NHS Advisory Board for Procurement and Supply, effective immediately, following the appointment of former long-serving Chair, Sir James Mackey, as NHS England CEO.
The NHS Customer Board for Procurement and Supply (The National Advisory Board) says it aims to influence and lead national procurement strategy ‘by engaging with the senior stakeholders across acute, mental health, and community Trusts who understand the challenges faced by the NHS’. Through collective accountability and collaborative working, the Board seeks to drive meaningful system-wide improvements.
CEO of Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust since 2013, Joe Harrison has in the intervening period ‘transformed the Trust’s record’ across several key areas, and ‘pioneered digital advances’. He is also the NHS England National director for Digital Channels, Chair of the NHS Confederation Employers Policy Board, and a Trustee of the NHS Confederation.
He said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to chair the National Advisory Board for NHS Supply Chain. It’s a critical time for our NHS to ensure we are delivering the best possible patient care in the most efficient and timely manner, and the work of the NHS Supply Chain has consistently demonstrated excellence in ensuring that our healthcare system is appropriately equipped to deliver this.”
Supply Chain Coordination Chair, Heather Tierney-Moore, thanked Sir James Mackey for his service of over four years as Chair of the Board. She said: “I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution Sir Jim has made, working with the national and regional boards to drive improvements in procurement and supply that have ultimately been to the benefit of patients across the NHS.”
She continued: “I’m thrilled to confirm Joe Harrison as the new Chair, bringing with him a wealth of experience and record of success across his various roles, including as an NHS acute hospital Chief Executive for more than 10 years. His work in the digital space and as a champion of innovation to drive improved patient outcomes will be particularly relevant as we work with stakeholders from across the system to ensure we support the changing needs of the NHS.”