Reducing the impact of medicine shortages on patients

Fostering relationships with external stakeholders is a priority for HSV’s Supply Chain Surety team. Our engagement and relationships with organisations and stakeholders allow us to find fast, effective solutions to shortages and assists with long term management of supply issues.  

“Connecting and working with a network of stakeholders in the medical supply chain and health sector is crucial to better outcomes for patients,” says HSV Director Supply Chain Surety Kate Warren.

“We are passionate about finding the people driven to help improve the entire process - from procurement through to the care provided to the patient at the bedside.

“Reducing the impact of shortages on patient care is our common goal,” says Kate.

HSV established a working relationship with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2022 Kate visited the Medicines Shortages team at the TGA in Canberra and regular discussions continue to strengthen state and national approaches to medicine shortages.

Kate is the Victorian representative of the Medicines Availability Working Group (MAWG) which was established in 2019 and in place to quickly address issues with medicine shortages, at the beginning the pandemic. The MAWG is co-chaired by A/g Director, Medicines Shortages Section, TGA, Cath Brown, and Michael Dooley, Director Pharmacy at Alfred Health.

Supply chain surety is one of HSV’s key strategic workstreams, with the function rapidly building capacity to access medicines, secure distribution and forecast for future requirements.

“Health supply chains are complex - our focus is on achievable change with big impact,” Kate says.