Audiological Diagnostics Implantable Devices and Services

This framework starts on 2 April 2024, runs for 24 months and ends on 1 April 2026. There is an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

This replaces two previous frameworks: Audiological Implantable Devices Accessories Consumables Maintenance and Repair and Audiological Equipment Services and Related Consumables.

The framework consists of the following Lots:

• Lot 1: Audiological Implantable Devices
  • Cochlear Implant and Auditory Brainstem Implant
  • Bone Conduction Hearing Implant, Middle Ear Implant.
• Lot 2: Audiological Diagnostics
  • Diagnostic and Fitting Equipment
  • Patient Management Systems, Newborn Hearing Screening Equipment, Wax Management, Audiological Devices.

About the products

Audiological implantable devices are designed to improve a patient’s hearing ability where there is a physical impairment to the internal mechanics of the ear. They may allow some form of hearing, even when hearing has previously been lost and can also offer a significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

The framework also covers the capital audiological equipment as well as related consumables used within an NHS Audiology department to diagnose and treat hearing related issues.

The products are used for several situations including:

• Diagnosing and treating hearing problems and fitting hearing aids
• Screening newborn babies for hearing issues
• Removal of excess ear wax causing hearing issues
• Personal audiology devices to help with hearing loss in certain situations.

Related consumables and maintenance and calibration for the equipment is also covered on the framework at point of sale only.

Products on the framework are used by:

• Audiologists, and surgeons
• Audiology Departments/Clinics
• ENT Departments
• Cochlear Implant Centres
• Bone Conduction Centres.

NHS England 

The system for ordering high-cost medical devices for specialised services launched 1 April 2016. 
See our Useful Links section for further details.

For more information please contact our Hospital Care team.

Pricing and savings opportunities

There is an overall cost pressure on the framework due to increased cost of production and raw materials, as well as the removal of historic bespoke pricing for Lot 1.1 (cochlear implants and sound processors).

To help mitigate the cost pressure, the framework provides a National Pricing Matrix (NPM) for new patient and existing patient upgrades for cochlear implants and sound processors.

An NPM allows you to benefit from a discounted pricing structure from a supplier in return for either a value or volume commitment, for an agreed time period.

The NPM has been structured to allow customers the option to utilise multiple suppliers. Please contact our Out of Hospital Care team to find out more about the NPM and to sign up.

Net Zero and Social Value

From April 2022 all of our frameworks have adopted the Procurement Policy Notice 06/20.

Please note: To order Audiological capital equipment products available via the direct route, you will need to quote your unique reference number (URN) when you place an order with your chosen supplier.

990 lines will be delisted when the framework starts.

See our Downloads section for the full list of delisted lines and details of all alternative products.

There are 15 suppliers in total on this framework. This is the full list of suppliers available on this framework:

• Advanced Bionics
• Amplivox Ltd
• Audit Data
• Cochlear Europe
• Cosium Healthcare – new
• Diatec Diagnostics – new
• Guymark
• Interacoustics
• Med-El Ltd
• Natus Nicolet UK
• Oticon Ltd
• Otodynamics
• Puretone Ltd
• Sheffmed Limited
• WS Audiology.

Choice

• Leading suppliers on contract – providing enhanced range and value from a single source.

More savings

• Pay less – with NHS Supply Chain you have a wider range of product options so you can select the ones that are fit for purpose and value for money.
• Leave your tendering to us – spend less time and money on tendering and let our procurement specialists undertake it on your behalf.
• Back office savings – the efficiency of our service, ranging from e-ordering to consolidated deliveries, enables significant back office savings.

More value

• An integrated approach – the financial benefits of NHS Supply Chain go beyond just product prices. Our approach is an integrated one that reduces cost throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to global logistics, resulting in a much lower total cost.
• Purchasing through our route – when there are changes in the market, we can help minimise the impact of price rises and give support with cost saving initiatives.

Our knowledge and expertise

• Dedicated Hospital Care and Out of Hospital Care Teams – your day to day contact for all queries. They will help you identify savings opportunities, solve any issues on your behalf and ensure high service levels are always met.
• NHS Supply Chain Buyers – procurement specialists in their product fields who can give expert advice on new and alternative products.
• Implementation Team – experts in helping you set up the new processes and training required when introducing new products.
• Customer Services Team – with the daily support provided by our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors and service managers you know you are in safe hands.
• Customer Assurance – providing customers with the confidence and assurance of products using a process of clinical evaluation and engagement with clinical users. This ensures all products are clinically assured by the CaPA process supported by engagement with an aligned Trusted Customer.

Peace of mind

• Dependable deliveries – having access to the know-how and resources of one of the world’s largest logistics companies means we can offer unrivaled dependability and responsiveness when it comes to our delivery services.
• Framework agreement – awarded in accordance with UK procurement legislation.
• Sustainable development – we are certified to ISO 140001 International Standard for Environment Management System.