Explanation of delivery methods
NHS Supply Chain manages the procurement of more than 600,000 products vital to the everyday running of trusts, hospitals and healthcare organisations. To ensure you receive the products required, we use the following delivery methods:
Stocked
These products are stocked in our regional distribution centres. We are able to guarantee delivery within a standard 48 hour lead time for all products wherever possible.
E-Direct
E-Direct enables us to offer products we do not currently stock in our warehouses. As each supplier has different cut off times, we are unable to guarantee delivery within our standard 48 hour lead time. These products are delivered to you by the supplier or a courier.
E-direct products will be invoiced by NHS Supply Chain directly to your finance department. These items will be consolidated into one invoice along with the rest of the items you order.
Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond products are ordered through NHS Supply Chain, but not stocked in our warehouses. They are delivered to us where they are consolidated with the rest of your order and delivered to you.
Blue Diamond products will be delivered on the next available date. As each supplier has different order cut-off times, we are unable to guarantee delivery within our standard 48 hour lead time.
Direct
Some of the products are offered on a direct or framework agreement from the supplier. To order these products please contact the supplier directly, quoting the supplier contract reference number. For further information please contact your NHS Supply Chain account manager or your customer service contact.