Product Update Nationally Contracted Products (NCP) Medical Pulp (ICN 2908)

• The supplier Moulded Fibre Products (MFP) has informed us of a supply issue with a new product:
  • FBF85185 – Large Tray.
• FBF85185 is currently unavailable to order.
• The supply issue is due to shipping delays; stock of the product has not been received into our depots to support it being nationally available.
• There are three other indirect alternatives which are available whilst stocks last:
  • FWK175 – 225 x 135 x 20mm Large Size Tray
  • FWK85002 – Extra large tray
  • FWK85003 – Small tray.
• The supply issue is anticipated to be resolved by 6 June 2025.
• Customers are advised to log into our website to view the potential indirect alternative products.
• We will update the ICN when we have further information.
• If you have any further questions, please contact your local NHS Supply Chain Customer Services Advisor.

Change:

• Since 2018, the Medical Pulp product category has been through several Nationally Contracted Products (NCP)* procurement exercises which to date have delivered significant national savings.
• A further procurement exercise to renew the Medical Pulp NCP based on a sole award, has achieved a further national savings opportunity of 21.78% (£1,645,096 including VAT)** for the NHS.

Impact:

• Moulded Fibre Products (MFP) is the awarded incumbent supplier for the Medical Pulp NCP.
• As of 2 June 2025, the products of the unsuccessful suppliers, Polyco Healthcare Limited and Vernacare Limited, will be delisted from the online catalogue for a minimum period of 24 months.
• Two sizes of MFP trays will also be delisted from the online catalogue following standardisation in sizing.
• Seven products in total will be delisted. Please note, some of the products had regional NPCs.
• One new product code will be added to our online catalogue on 2 June 2025 – FBF85185 Tray 225 x 135 x 20mm large size.
• See our Downloads ▼ section to access the product listing for further information on the affected product codes.

Next Steps:

• Customers are advised to log in to the website to access the product listing.
• For information on trust specific savings opportunities please contact your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager. Trust Impact Statements will be available in the week commencing 21 April 2025.
• See our Useful Links section for further information about this NCP.

*NCP aims to implement the Carter Report recommendations to harness the national buying power of the NHS, remove “unwarranted product variation” and improve efficiency. NCP focuses on reducing variety at a sub category level and channelling national commitment to this optimised product range to drive savings.

**Anticipated annualised savings figures are calculated following conclusion of the award process using the last 12 months volumes. Please note these are subject to change after Trust Impact Statements are produced due to further pricing reconciliation. For further details please contact your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager.