In this interview, we speak with Rupert Marais, an in-house security specialist with extensive expertise in endpoint and device security, cybersecurity strategies, and network management. The discussion will cover the NHS Supply Chain, the age and functionality of the RESUS system, IT modernization efforts, and the details of a recent court ruling affecting these initiatives.
Can you explain the role of NHS Supply Chain and its importance to the NHS?
NHS Supply Chain is crucial for the NHS as it handles approximately £4.5 billion of annual spending. It ensures the delivery of clinically assured medical products to medical facilities across England and Wales, supporting the entire healthcare infrastructure.
Who currently owns and manages NHS Supply Chain?
NHS Supply Chain is owned by the Department of Health and Social Care and operated by NHS Supply Chain Coordination Limited (SCCL).
What is the RESUS system and how old is it?
The RESUS system is the core business application that runs the warehousing and commercial operations of NHS Supply Chain. It is roughly 30 years old.
How has the age of the RESUS system impacted its functionality?
The age of the RESUS system has significantly impacted its functionality, leading to frequent high-priority alerts and delays in shipping products to hospitals.
What were some of the specific issues faced by the RESUS system in 2024?
In 2024, the RESUS system experienced 35 highest priority “P1” alerts, causing delays in shipping thousands of products. One notable alert resulted in 17,000 warehouse order lines not being picked, delaying the delivery of these products to hospitals.
What does a “P1” alert signify, and how many of these were reported in the 11 months to November 2024?
A “P1” alert signifies a high-priority issue that requires immediate attention. There were 35 “P1” alerts reported in the 11 months to November 2024.
Can you provide details on the specific alert from November 1, 2024, and its consequences?
The alert on November 1, 2024, caused 17,000 warehouse order lines to remain unpicked, leading to significant delays in shipping those products to hospitals, thereby hampering medical operations.
How has the fragility of the current IT system affected NHS Supply Chain operations?
The fragility of the IT system has created broader operational issues for NHS Supply Chain, causing a contagion of risks affecting overall stability and efficiency.
What are the plans for modernizing the current IT system, and what role will the new logistics supplier play in this?
Plans include transitioning to a SaaS solution. The new logistics supplier, GXO Logistics, will provide critical input on system architecture and the technical roadmap.
Can you explain why the new logistics supplier is crucial for the IT modernization project?
The new logistics supplier is essential because they will inform key decisions on the system’s design and functionality, ensuring that the modernization aligns with logistical needs.
What are the legal disputes surrounding the new logistics contract?
Legal disputes involve Unipart Group Limited and DHL Supply Chain Limited contesting the contract award to GXO Logistics, causing a delay in the contract’s implementation.
What were the reasons Unipart Group Limited and DHL Supply Chain Limited contested the contract award?
The specific reasons aren’t detailed, but it’s typical for such disputes to involve claims of unfair procurement processes or better suitability of another party for the contract.
What was the outcome of the recent court case regarding the logistics contract, and what were some key rulings by Mr. Justice Constable?
The court allowed the suspension of the contract to be lifted, highlighting the urgent need for modernizing the IT infrastructure, which cannot be delayed further as it impacts the NHS and public interest.
How has the delay in letting the new contract impacted NHS Supply Chain’s modernization efforts?
The delay has hampered the progress of IT modernization, creating operational challenges and risking further stability issues in the NHS Supply Chain.
What did Andrew New, CEO of SCCL, state regarding the urgency of the IT modernization?
Andrew New emphasized that IT modernization is critical for operational stability and the efficient delivery of medical products, highlighting the intolerability of further delays.
Can you explain the broader modernization program discussed in the court judgment?
The broader modernization program involves overhauling the current system with a new network and ERP technology, transforming service propositions, and transitioning operations from the old to the new system.
What are the risks if the IT modernization project is delayed further?
Further delays risk continued instability and inefficiencies in the NHS Supply Chain, thereby affecting the timely delivery of essential medical products and overall healthcare services.
What can you tell us about the provenance and management of the RESUS system?
The RESUS system is managed under a PFI contract with iSoft, which provides managed hosting services. The application code is owned by IB Solutions, which offers software development services.
How do the PFI contractual arrangements with iSoft and IB Solutions fit into the management and operation of the RESUS system?
iSoft’s managed hosting service and IB Solutions’ software development services are integral to the operation and maintenance of the RESUS system under formal service level agreements.
What are the expectations and future steps following the court’s decision to lift the contract suspension?
With the contract suspension lifted, the expectation is to expedite the modernization efforts, including the input from GXO Logistics on the new system’s architecture and roadmap.
How is NHS Supply Chain preparing to work with GXO given the judgment?
NHS Supply Chain is ready to collaborate with GXO to ensure a smooth transition to the new IT system and maintain operational stability throughout the process.
Can you provide insight into the current status and performance of the NHS Supply Chain service?
While there are currently no major issues and the service operates as expected, the aging IT infrastructure presents ongoing risks that need addressing through modernization.
What are the broader implications of this judgment for the NHS and its public interest?
The judgment underscores the critical need for timely modernization of the NHS’s IT systems to prevent disruptions in healthcare delivery, thereby serving the public interest.
How does NHS Supply Chain plan to maintain operational stability during the transition to the new system?
NHS Supply Chain plans meticulous coordination with GXO, phased transition approaches, and robust contingency planning to ensure stability during the IT system changeover.
Do you have any advice for our readers?
Whether managing a small network or a large-scale supply chain, staying proactive about IT modernization and addressing aging infrastructure before it becomes a critical issue is crucial. Always plan for the future to avoid disruptions and maintain operational efficiency.
