Single Use Theatre Protective Wear and Related Consumables

This framework starts on 26 May 2026, runs for 36 months and ends on 25 May 2029. There is an option to extend for an additional 12 months.

There are 29 suppliers, including 12 new suppliers, on the framework, providing 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 awarded market share for Lot three which had one supplier with over 50% of the total market share, posing a resilience issue. This lot has now been awarded by market share to 4/5 suppliers for each key line, so the risk is now spread across multiple suppliers.

We have a KPI that is used to monitor suppliers product supply, performance and quality which will be monitored throughout the lifetime of the framework to ensure the products meet our specifications.

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.

Important notice – for stocked products only.
Following the move to Buy Price = Sell Price, new contract / framework prices will only come into effect when stock of all product at the old contract / framework price has been depleted.

Ordering samples

Product samples are available from some 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 following the start 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 Acute team.
See our Useful Links section for your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager contact details.

Opportunities to adopt a National Pricing Matrix (NPM) will be available post Go-Live for Lot 2 Drapes only which will allow savings opportunities for customers who are able to consolidate their purchasing.

If you are interested in the savings, please speak to your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager.
See our Useful Links section for your ICS Manager contact details.

The framework will support mini competitions in Lot 1 Gowns for further savings. If you are interested in further information, please contact Hayley Roscoe to find out more.

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
The following sustainable opportunities are available on this framework:

Medline has been working on gowns that are fully recyclable, and Isol8 on caps that are fully biodegradable. Both of these options will be explored throughout the framework and further sustainable options will be looked at throughout the life of the framework.

620 products are being delisted. 361 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 29 suppliers on this framework. They are:

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

There is an extensive product list from a wide range of suppliers in the market. 791 new products have been added and these are highlighted in the product listing.

There are four lots on this framework:

• Lot 1. Single Use Sterile Gown
• Lot 2. Patient and Equipment Drapes
• Lot 3. Single Use Head Protection
• Lot 4. Single Use Theatre Accessories.

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

Lot 1. Single Use Sterile Gown
This lot includes single use sterile gowns, which are worn by surgical teams to ensure a sterile field. It is intended that this lot will include an opportunity for awarded suppliers to submit commitment-based pricing, to support cash-releasing savings benefit.

Lot 2. Patient and Equipment Drapes
This lot includes patient and equipment drapes, which are used to cover patients and surgical instruments to maintain sterility. It is intended that this Lot will include an opportunity for awarded suppliers to submit commitment-based pricing, to support cash-releasing savings benefit.

Lot 3. Single Use Head Protection
This lot includes theatre caps, across a variety of colours to protect against contamination. It is intended that this lot will include an option for a bulk buy discount to be offered by awarded suppliers.

Lot 4. Single Use Theatre Accessories
This lot includes all other theatre accessories, worn by surgical teams, to ensure a safe and sterile operating environment. The products in scope include overshoes, beard covers and coveralls.

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.