Needlefree Connection Systems and Associated Products

This framework starts on 26 January 2026, runs for 24 months and ends on 25 January 2028. There is an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

There are 16 suppliers, including 5 new suppliers, on the framework offering an extended product range and more choice to customers. See the Suppliers section for a full list of suppliers on this framework.

Areas covered

There are four lots on this framework (see Product Categories section for a full list). 

See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing on the Framework Matrices.

Resilience

Our increased knowledge of the global manufacturing base following COVID-19 and subsequent global supply challenges, means we are better able to identify potential risks and mitigate them by building resilience into our sourcing strategies.

For this framework we are adopting measures including ensuring suppliers hold more stock in UK warehouses and providing forward trackers so that suppliers can build up contingency stock in the event of a supply disruption.

How to purchase from the framework

Products available via our Stocked and eDirect supply routes can be purchased using our online catalogue or through your own purchase-to-pay system.

Ordering samples

Product samples are available from all of the suppliers on the framework.

Please note that the decision to supply samples, along with the unit of issue, supplied quantity, time to supply and free of charge nature of any request, is solely the decision of the relevant supplier(s).

Requests for samples should initially be discussed with your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager. They will then work with you and the respective supplier(s) to agree requests and order on your behalf.

Product switching will be available after launch of the framework. Analysis will take place to highlight cost effective alternatives and to identify switch and rationalisation opportunities. If you are interested in further information about product switching, please speak to our Hospital Care team.

See our Useful Links section for your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager contact details.

Information for Clinical Choice (ICC) will be available on this framework post customer launch to highlight clinical suitability of alternative products which could deliver savings.

The framework provides a National Pricing Matrix (NPM) which allows you to benefit from a discounted pricing structure from a supplier in return for either a value or volume commitment, for an agreed period. The suppliers currently offering an NPM are:

• GBUK Healthcare
• Fannin UK Ltd
• Vygon UK Ltd.

Further NPMs are in progress and anticipated to be available post Go-Live from the following suppliers:

• Spirit Medical Ltd
• Becton Dickinson UK Ltd
• ICU UK Medical Ltd
• RPG Medical Limited.

If you are interested in NPM savings, please speak to your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager.

See our Useful Links section for your ICS Manager contact details.

See our Downloads ▼ section for details of the NPMs.

A price ranking sheet will also be available post customer launch so you can review suppliers’ prices with ease.

Sustainability, net zero and social value are important elements in how NHS Supply Chain build our framework offering through the procurement process, tendering, supplier award and contract management. There are five mandatory requirements for suppliers to address supporting compliance with relevant PPNs and NHS England policy.

• Carbon Reduction Plan (PPN 006)
• Evergreen Assessment 
• Modern Slavery Assessment (PPN 009)
• Social Value (PPN 002)
• NHS England Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and Horizon Scanning.

Awarded suppliers meet the current milestones on the net zero roadmap and have awareness and understanding of future milestones.

Social value

See our Downloads ▼ section for further information on suppliers’ social value commitments.

Sustainable opportunities

• Reduction in consumption opportunities
• MRI Compatible products now included on framework
• How products are used to extend products useful life – ICC – information provided on single use products and the recommended duration of use for needle free connectors and compatibility of glass syringes.

24 products are being delisted. 8 of these have an identified alternative.

See our Downloads ▼ section to view the full list of delisted products and details of the alternatives available.

There are 16 suppliers on this framework:

• B Braun Medical Ltd
• Balmung Medical Handel GmbH
• Baxter Healthcare Limited Newbury01
• Becton Dickinson UK Ltd
• Codan Ltd
• Fannin UK Ltd
• GBUK Healthcare
• ICU UK Medical Ltd
• KCI Medical Limited (3m)
• Merit Medical UK Ltd
• OncoSem UK Limited
• RPG Medical Limited
• Spirit Medical Ltd
• Super B Plus Group Ltd
• Vygon UK Ltd
• Wescott Medical Ltd.

The following suppliers are being delisted at the start of the framework agreement:

• BMS Critical Care
• GS Medical Limited
• Iskus Health UK Ltd
• Medicina Ltd.

There is an extensive product list from a wide range of suppliers in the market 277 new products have been added, and these are identified in the product listing.

There are four lots on this framework:

• Lot 1 Needlefree Valve/Connectors 
• Lot 2 Needlefree Extension Sets 
• Lot 3 Needlefree Closed System Transfer Devices 
• Lot 4 Needlefree Associated Products.

See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing, and details of any delisted lines and details of alternative products in the Framework Matrices.

About the products

Needlefree connection devices (also known as needle-free connectors or NFCs) are small medical devices used in intravenous (IV) therapy to allow access to a patient’s IV line without the use of a needle.

Safe IV Access: They allow healthcare professionals to administer fluids, medications, or draw blood without using a needle.

Reduce Needlestick Injuries: By eliminating needles, they significantly reduce the risk of accidental needlestick injuries to healthcare workers.

Prevent Infection: Many NFCs are designed with closed systems that help prevent microbial contamination and bloodstream infections.

Improve Workflow: They simplify the process of connecting and disconnecting IV lines, making care delivery more efficient.

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 Acute team and Out of Hospital Care team – 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.