Supply Issues Open and Closed Suction Catheters Multiple Products (ICN 2081)

• The supply issue affecting Suction Catheter products is ongoing.
• Temporary product codes for a majority of the newly stocked alternatives have been added to the product comparison matrix with their current availability. Richardson Healthcare product codes are to follow shortly.
• There are 18 newly added alternative products in total. 12 newly added product codes now have stock available and six have stock due in the next few weeks to ensure continuous supply.
• All 18 alternative products are graduated and have clear suction valves.
• Graduation marking details have been added to the product comparison matrix.
• Images of each supplier’s suction catheters have been added to separate tabs in the product comparison matrix.
• 13 of the affected product codes are still being threshold managed as they are subject to Protect Demand Management:
  • FSQ587, FSQ588, FSQ568, FSQ589, FSQ570, FSQ591, FSQ572, FSQ593, FSQ575, FSQ580, FSQ1144, FSQ576, and FSQ578.
  • These codes are available to order through NHS Supply Chain. However, trusts are allocated a maximum daily quantity or “threshold” to ensure fair supply of available stock across the NHS.
• There are still 15 product codes affected in total.
• See our Downloads ▼ section to access the product listing and a full list of product codes subject to Protect Demand for further information on the affected product codes.
• Although we do not currently have a resolution date for the supply issue, we will update the ICN as soon as we have further information.

• The supply issue affecting Suction Catheter products is ongoing.
• GBUK have experienced challenges obtaining raw materials (DHEP-free PVC), temporarily halting their manufacturing process, which significantly reduced their ability to produce suction catheters. Without further intervention, this may result in a gap in supply.
• As GBUK have a significant market share in this area, other suppliers do not hold the volume of stock level required to meet the needs of the NHS and in response, NHS Supply Chain has taken steps to ensure continued supply.
• NHS Supply Chain has worked closely with other suppliers of these products and placed significant volume orders to fill the supply gap. Suppliers are currently manufacturing these products and delivery will be expedited using air freight.
• These additional products will temporarily be moved into stock in the NHS Supply Chain distribution centres to ensure continuous supply in to trusts.
• The products that will be in stock are all graduated suction catheters.
• There are wider suction catheters available in the catalogue and customers can continue to order these as per normal ordering patterns.
• Based on these activities, our current forecast shows coverage across key sizes in the short and medium term, however, trusts will need to use the products from alternative suppliers and may need to make some minor adaptions.

Demand Managed Products

• 13 of the affected product codes are now being threshold managed as they are subject to Protect Demand Management:
  • FSQ587, FSQ588, FSQ568, FSQ589, FSQ570, FSQ591, FSQ572, FSQ593, FSQ575, FSQ580, FSQ1144, FSQ576, and FSQ578.
  • These codes are available to order through NHS Supply Chain. However, trusts are allocated a maximum daily quantity aka “threshold” to ensure fair supply of available stock across the NHS.
• There are now a total of 15 product codes affected.
• See our Downloads ▼ section for a full list of product codes subject to Protect Demand Management.
• See our Downloads ▼ section to access the product listing for further information on the affected product codes.

Next Steps

• Customers are advised to:
  • Log into our website to view the affected product codes, those subject to Protect Demand Management, and the available alternatives.
  • Perform a stock check to provide an understanding of the current stock position. They will need to continue to monitor this to be aware of where products are located and the frequency.
  • Make all clinical areas aware that they may see changes in brand or length for open suction catheters.
  • Please cascade this information via their community routes.
• A product comparison matrix is attached, detailing the high-level specifications of the products and the differences in clinical specification.
• The alternative products will be provided by GenX Medicare, Pennine Healthcare, Richardson Healthcare and Westbourne Medical.
• NHS Supply Chain will make these additional products direct alternatives in response to this supply disruption.
• Due to the global supply challenges and product availability of suction catheters, it is expected there will be ongoing constraints in this area. The supply issue is expected to be ongoing for a period of up to six months.
• If you have any further questions, please contact your local NHS Supply Chain Customer Services Advisor.

Change:                          

• The supplier GBUK Healthcare has informed us of a supply issue with its Suction Catheters products.
• There are 15 product codes affected.
• The supply issue is due to component shortages and raw material shortage of DHP-free PVC.

Impact:             

• The affected product codes are currently subject to intermittent supply.
• These products are being threshold managed they are subject to Protect Demand Management.
• The product codes remain available to order through NHS Supply Chain. However, trusts are allocated a maximum daily quantity “threshold” to ensure fair supply of available stock across the NHS.
• See our Downloads ▼ section for a full list of product codes subject to Protect Demand Management.
• Potential indirect alternative products are available to order through our online catalogue.
• See our Downloads ▼ section to access the product listing for further information on the affected product codes.
• The supply issue is expected to be ongoing for a period of up to six months

Next Steps:                    

• Customers are advised to log into our website to review to the potential indirect alternative products from other suppliers, taking into consideration their suitability and differing supply routes and lead times.
• If you have any further questions, please contact your local NHS Supply Chain Customer Services Advisor.