The area covered by NHS Westminster is coterminous with the borough of the City of Westminster, which is located in the heart of London. One of 33 London boroughs, the City of Westminster covers eight and a half square miles and includes some of London's most famous landmarks and districts within its boundaries.
Approximately 230,000 people live in Westminster - and, on weekdays, it is estimated that there may be up to a million people within Westminster (including commuters, students and tourists). According to the 2001 Census, Westminster is one of the most densely populated boroughs in the country, but also has the second highest proportion in the country of people living in one person households.
Although Westminster as a whole may appear to be wealthy, it is the 72nd most deprived borough in England and analysis of data at electoral ward and small area level demonstrates wide variations within the Borough. Westminster includes some of the most deprived areas in the country, as well as some of the most affluent. Considerable health inequalities exist in Westminster - the marked variations in the health status of the population mirror the patterns of deprivation across the Borough. For example, there is a difference of nearly eleven years between the wards with the highest and lowest male life expectancies. For women the gap is over nine years. Westminster is ethnically and culturally diverse. Nearly 30% of the population are from black and ethnic minority groups and more than 150 languages are spoken in Westminster schools. A large number of refugees and asylum seekers live in temporary accommodation in Westminster, many of whom have complex health and social needs.
General medical services are provided by over 100 GPs who work from 50 practices. The registered population is currently 246,000, reflecting the high population turnover in Westminster. There are 82 dental practices, 76 optometry practices and 100 community pharmacies within Westminster. Community services, including community dental services, are provided by the provider arm of Westminster Primary Care Trust, which is now functioning as an autonomous provider organisation (APO) and has formed an alliance with the Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea APOs - Central West London Community Services. There is one acute hospital located within the boundaries of Westminster: St Mary’s Hospital, which is now part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Other major providers of acute services include the Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Mental health services are provided by Central North West London Mental Health Trust.
The Procurement Centre
To enable an improved commercial focus as part of the overall commissioning process, NHS Westminster is enhancing the organisation’s capability and leadership in demand, supply and spend management. This will ensure that patient and customer requirements are proactively managed and fulfilled through established and preferred routes. In addition to this, a system is in place to stimulate the healthcare market to offer improved quality services and drive best value.
World Class Commissioning has set the standards by which PCTs have to operate, provide and procure services. In order to commission effectively, there is a requirement to embed procurement skill sets and expertise within NHSW to develop the PCT as an organisation with a commercial focus. [World Class Commissioning Competencies 7, 9 and 10 ]. Commissioning and Procurement staff will work together to support commissioners with the commercial aspects of their jobs.
Over the next five years the PCT will continue to improve collaborative working with a number of key partners, including surrounding PCTs, Westminster City Council, a range of healthcare providers and other local partners, (including Practice-Based commissioning Clusters) to lead local healthcare improvements.
The Procurement Centre is managed by the Head of Procurement, Sue Page and the core team consists of 2 wte Senior Category Managers and 2 wte Category Managers.
You can find out more about NHS Westminster’s Procurement Centre and the PCT by accessing our website at www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk.
