cloudBuy News

cloudBuy readies launch of NHS Shared Business Services e-marketplace

Dec 22, 2015

Care e-marketplace now in ‘pilot phase’ with launch planned for early 2016

December 23rd, 2015: CloudBuy Limited, the global provider of cloud-based e-commerce marketplaces and B2B buyer and supplier solutions, is pleased to announce that the online care marketplace it has developed in conjunction with NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) is now being readied for launch early in 2016. The e-marketplace provides a platform for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which cover England, to provide citizens with online management of Personal Health Budgets (PHBs) and a secure place to purchase care products and services.

Personal Health Budgets are a critical component of the new health landscape, with up to 5 million citizens with long-term conditions and disabilities, potentially being eligible. PHBs will offer budget holders greater choice and control over the healthcare and support they receive.

The e-marketplace has been scoped, developed and tested in conjunction with NHS SBS and a representative pilot CCG. The solution, which integrates fully with NHS SBS’ finance platform, will be launched in the pilot CCG area and is then expected to be rolled out to other CCGs through 2016. PHB holders and care product and service suppliers will be on-boarded region by region to match the areas of England covered by the joining CCGs.

Lyn Duncan cloudBuy CEO said “cloudBuy has been working closely with NHS SBS to design a marketplace solution that will meet the requirements of the 200+ CCGs in England, as they roll out Personal Health Budgets to their patients. The e-marketplace will increase choices while maintaining control. I am delighted with the progress being made.”

Stephen Sutcliffe, NHS SBS Finance & Accounting Director commented, “We are delighted to be embarking on the pilot phase of this project with cloudBuy and our partnership has led to the development of a dynamic e-marketplace that provides fast solutions for CCGs, patients, carers and suppliers alike.”

The e-marketplace will provide a secure e-commerce environment to support the needs of:

  • patients and their carers; to manage and spend their PHBs to receive the care they need
  • CCGs; to allocate and manage the PHBs of eligible patients in their region
  • suppliers of care products and services; to take payment for their goods and services online

The e-marketplace is planned to be officially launched in January 2016.

To view the full PDF version of this press release, please click here