NHS cost tool saves £288m

NHS trusts across England have saved £288million in the past financial year by using a price comparison tool to get the best deals on bulk-buy items.

The savings included £106,000 on loo rolls after 184 trusts teamed up to buy from one supplier.

NHS Improvement is overseeing the tool, which lets trusts see what others are paying for items.

Chief executive Ian Dalton said: “This is good for patients as the money freed up can be reinvested.”