Future network to deliver more products and greater resilience

Watch this short video to learn more about our network plans.

The NHS Supply Chain Modernisation Programme will help us build a stronger, more resilient and more responsive service for the NHS and patients. 

Over a multi-year programme, we’re investing in modern technology, supply chain infrastructure and ways of working, so our service is more reliable, easier to use and better able to meet the needs of every part of the health system. 

The future network is one part of that wider programme, alongside modern technology platforms and redesigned end-to-end processes. Together, these changes will help us build a smarter, simpler and more connected NHS Supply Chain. 

Our current physical network is the backbone of NHS Supply Chain, and we are building on that strength — not moving away from it. The new network design will include the development of three large hubs in the north, midlands and south of England, along with a network of existing and new local sites.  

• We’ll hold more of what you buy ‑ we’ll be able to store a significantly wider range of products from stock, improving resilience, increasing choice and reducing the likelihood of disruption. 

• Holding a full product range within each region will help improve resilience and reduce dependency on stock being moved across the country. This will reduce the likelihood that disruption in one part of the country affects deliveries in another. 

• We’ll reduce the number of small deliveries arriving at hospitals by consolidating orders before they leave our network. This will help products reach the right delivery point more efficiently and reduce the burden on goods receipting teams, making it easier for hospital teams to get products where they are needed. 

The hubs will incorporate modern technologies to increase capacity, hold a larger product range, boost delivery performance and build more agility into the national network. This supports care across all settings and helps create a supply chain that can meet the future needs of the NHS. 

These improvements will occur across several years – there are no immediate changes, and our focus remains serving the needs of the NHS day-to-day.