Key Learning Points

• Understand the models used when considering purchases

• Appreciate the value of differing actors in the purchasing process

• Enhance effectiveness in purchasing for theatres by engaging more effectively with the purchasing team

Introduction

There are many sayings to do with looking after finances. Two are are ‘Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’ and ‘Penny wise pound foolish’. While the first saying has truth, it can often distract you from the second.

This chapter is intended to provide some advice and guidance on how to look after an operating theatre budget and get the most for each pound. It is often a lot easier to save money from current spending than it is to get new funding for improved patient care, and it can also be more rewarding.

Purchasing has grown in recent years from a clerical function to a strategic function (Ellram & Carr 1994), becoming a leading profession in business. The big supermarkets, car manufacturers and service providers – transport, leisure and banking – all rely heavily on their ability to specify, buy and manage their goods and services to give them a competitive and leading edge in the market. Similar to accountants and surveyors, purchasing professionals build on their academic qualifications and further develop their specialist knowledge, experience, tools and techniques in purchasing and supply.