COVID-19 forced rapid changes to the delivery of all aspects of healthcare in the state.
Sourcing and procuring significant amounts of additional medical supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was a priority.
PPE procurement is a complex task - 700 different types of PPE are used across seven product groups, in a range of sizes, levels and brands.
James Munro Ford, who leads the system wide effort to source PPE, said COVID-19 highlighted the need for all countries to consider the sensitivities of the global supply chain environment, and how to most effectively source appropriate medical supplies.
'NSW has responded very effectively through a collaborative whole-of-government model, given the very tough and competitive global market,' he said.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, NSW Health had one central warehouse for PPE. Today, NSW Government has commissioned more than six warehouses for PPE throughout Sydney.
'The growth in our amount of PPE that we have in storage reflects the success of our sourcing efforts,' said James.
A whole-of-government procurement response was quickly established in March to rapidly meet the needs of NSW front-line workers. Teams across NSW Health and government reached out to existing suppliers and a range of new suppliers, both domestically and internationally, to meet the needs of NSW during a critical period.
James Munro Ford said COVID-19 meant we had to transform how we operate and pivot into an agile and dynamic supply chain environment.
'Seeing the incredible work effort of NSW Health staff is inspiring. And for me, it has made the long days and late nights easier. So many people have sacrificed so much, and I'm honoured to be part of that effort.'
James notes the importance of leveraging the support of colleagues, friends and family.
'The first five months were really challenging, you have to not let the pressure around you consume you.
'I've learned we work in a system where no problem is insurmountable – there is always a solution.'
'You have to just keep trying, surround yourself with a diverse group of thinkers, and give permission for people to explore new ideas when needed. I'm extremely proud of all the teams involved and how we've worked together during this period.'
