Page 45 - BHTA 100 years

Member mergers and successes, insurance scheme launch and
a bomb-shell...
1990 produced a big challenge for the Association when the Department of Health issued a statement that, within 12 months, the remuneration of Appliance Contractors would be brought in line with that of Chemists. This came as a bomb-shell to the Appliance Contractors as it would have reduced turnover by around 25%. The BSTA swung into action with the Chairman and Secretary setting up a working group that produced a comprehensive response to the proposals. It resulted in the proposed changes being put on hold, after the Association acted quickly and effectively on behalf of the industry.
An insurance scheme was launched in February 1990 that is still in existence to this day. The scheme was launched in conjunction with Insurers Alexander Stenhouse & Partners and guaranteed a saving of 20% on premiums. It was reported shortly afterwards that an average saving of 31% was being achieved, with savings of over £100,000 being made by 13 companies. These days there are over 50 companies using the scheme’s successor.
The rst ever BSTA Conference took place this year, with 80 delegates attending the event at Heythrop Park. According to Vice Chairman of BSTA Council, Robert Gittins, there was clearly some tension between manufacturers and NHS buyers as he wrote: “Procurement minds seem still to be convinced that supply industries drive Rolls-Royces on the back of the poor NHS and patients. Such minds will continue to administer much pain on the suppliers whilst still professing to alleviate the pain on the patients.”
Another topic that is prevalent in the reports of the time is the issue of Health Authority Trading. It rst became a discussion point for the BSTA when Disabled
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