Insulin Pumps, Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Closed Loop Insulin Delivery Systems and Associated Products

This framework starts on 7 January 2022, runs for 48 months and ends on 6 January 2026. This includes a 24 month extension.

The products in this framework are for use in Diabetes clinics, Maternity patients, specifically NHS England and NHS Improvement program for expectant mums with Type 1 diabetes, and in patients’ homes following diagnosis and prescribing.

Please note: This is a direct framework agreement, and you will need to quote your unique reference number (URN) when you place an order with your chosen supplier. To receive your URN, please reach out to your ICS Manager.

Trust sign up procedures

Via your ICS Manager

1. Contact your ICS Manager within our Hospital Care team to request to sign up to the framework.
2. The ICS Manager will forward the request to our Category Manager.

Via the Category Manager

1. Send your request using email address urninsulinpumps@supplychain.nhs.uk
2. This inbox is monitored by both our Purchasing Assistant and the Category Manager.

Via NHS England Website

1. Download a version of the front page of the URN
2. Following the instructions on the download, complete the front page of the URN
3. Send your request using email address urninsulinpumps@supplychain.nhs.uk
4. This inbox is monitored by both our Purchasing Assistant and the Category Manager.

Procedure

1. Once the initial request has been received:
   • If it is a banded supplier, we will contact the supplier for the cost price.
   • If it is a flat rate supplier, we will move to step 3
2. The supplier will, based on your current usage, confirm which cost price band applies to your trust.
3. We will then send a Unique Reference Number (URN) form to complete, review, and return. The URN form collects details such as, your procurement contact, and hospital names that belong to your trust and contains the start and end date, cost prices applicable to your trust at that time.
4. Once we have received your completed URN form, we will then send an acknowledgement that your trust is now signed up for the framework.
5. We will also inform the supplier(s) that your trust has signed up to this framework and send them a copy of the URN form.
6. The supplier is required to send an acknowledgement that they have received our confirmation and that they will update their systems accordingly.

Points to note

• This is a direct framework (not transacted through NHS Supply Chain systems), so once a Trust has signed up to purchase from a supplier, all ordering, invoicing, deliveries etc will continue to be done directly with the supplier.
• There is no tie in period once a trust has signed up to the framework.

NICE guidelines for Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) systems for managing blood glucose in type 1 diabetes

Following the Technology Appraisal Guidance issued by NICE on 19 December 2023, cost-effective combinations have been agreed with suppliers to support NHS England’s five-year roll out.

As stated in the NHS England 5-year implementation plan “ICBs will only receive reimbursements for technologies purchased from the national framework of HCL technologies hosted by NHS Supply Chain”.

See our Useful Links section to read the full NICE Technical Appraisal Guidance and NHS England’s Hybrid closed loop technologies: 5-year implementation strategy.

No suppliers or products are being delisted from our catalogue with this framework launch.

We now have the following 13 suppliers:

• Abbott Diabetes Care
• Advanced Therapeutics (UK) Ltd
• Air Liquide Healthcare Ltd
• CamDiab Ltd
• Dexcom International Ltd
• Glooko Ltd
• Gluco RX Ltd
• Insulet International Ltd
• Medtronic Ltd
• Medtrum Ltd
• Roche Diabetes Care Ltd
• UKR Sustainable Suppliers
• Ypsomed Ltd.

See our Downloads section for a breakdown of suppliers by lot and which products they offer.

There are 3 lots on this new framework:

• Lot 1: Insulin Pumps – tethered insulin pumps, patch insulin pumps and associated products.
• Lot 2: Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices (CGM) and Associated Consumables.
• Lot 3: Software and Diabetes Management Applications – software or algorithms that contribute to the functionality of a closed-loop.

Tethered insulin pump machines enable insulin to be delivered either automatically, or in response to instructions given by the pump wearer. They drip-feed insulin into the body through the day and night plus they can also deliver larger doses of insulin whenever needed, such as before meals.

A continuous glucose monitor is a small device that is worn just under the skin. It measures glucose (sugar) levels continuously throughout the day and night, letting the wearer see trends in their levels, and alerts them to highs and lows.

Applications and software that contributes to the functionality of a closed-loop insulin delivery system:

• Products that connect with blood glucose sensors and insulin pumps automatically increase, decrease, or stop the delivery of insulin in response to the glucose levels of people with diabetes.
• Diabetes Management Systems that allow for the uploading of information from insulin pumps, CGM’s, glucose meters, and mobile applications.

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 customers.

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 unrivalled dependability and responsiveness when it comes to our delivery services.
• Framework agreement – awarded in accordance with UK procurement legislation.
• Sustainability – Sustainable procurement is embedded into our category management processes to ensure that our suppliers meet requirements for carbon reduction plans, evergreen assessment, modern slavery, social value and NHS England net zero supplier roadmap. Additionally, our logistics partner is certified ISO14001.