Skin Cleansing, Disinfection and Hygiene

This framework starts on 16 February 2026, runs for 24 months and ends on 15 February 2028. There is an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

This combines three former frameworks – Skin Cleansing and Disinfection, Patient Dry Wipes, and Pre-operative Skin Preparation – into one new one.

There are 29 product codes that will continue on the existing Pre Operative Skin Preparation framework but these will be delisted when the Pre Operative Skin Preparation framework expires on 2 June 2026. Please see our Useful Links section to view the Contract Information Page for this framework. 

There are 30 suppliers, including 7 new suppliers, on the Skin Cleansing, Disinfection and Hygiene framework offering an extended product range, innovative products, and more choice to customers. See the Suppliers section for a full list of suppliers on this framework.

Areas covered

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

See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing and product matrix.

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.

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 products at the old contract / framework price has been depleted.

Ordering samples

Product samples are available from the majority 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 has taken 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.

Information for Clinical Choice (ICC) will be available on this framework post go-live to highlight the clinical suitability of alternative products which could deliver savings. The framework will have Value Based Procurement opportunities post go-live for Continence Care and Nasal Decolonisation.

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:

Removal of plastic from patient cleansing wet and dry wipes – As part of the specification for this new framework we required plastic free Patient Cleaning Wet and Dry wipes as these break down in waste streams without introducing microplastics into the environment.

To prepare for this change we sent out an early inform in October 2025, along with a patient dry wipes switching analysis and the ability to order samples of the new plastic free wipes to assist with product switching.

Suppliers have worked hard on developing plastic free wipes fit for use in the NHS as part of the journey to a Net Zero NHS. We welcome your feedback on the effectiveness of the new wipes.

Nail Picks – Scrub brushes were previously sold with nail picks, but guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) recommends using only a nail pick for aseptic handwashing.

As a result, the brushes in these packs were often discarded unused, creating unnecessary cost and plastic waste. We now offer a stand-alone nail pick, reducing single-use plastic and packaging, lowering carbon footprint and cutting costs, while meeting aseptic hand hygiene standards.

As part of our Clinical Engagement and research when developing our strategy and specification we utilised a range of Infection Prevention and Control guidance.

See our Useful Links section to read these. 

91 products are being delisted: 68 of these sit on the current Skin Cleansing and Disinfection and Patient Dry Wipes frameworks and will be delisted when the new framework goes live – 58 of these have an identified alternative.

The remaining 28 products being delisted sit on the current Pre-Operative Skin Preparation framework. These will be delisted on 3 June 2026 when this framework expires – 21 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 30 suppliers on this framework. They are:

• B Braun Medical Limited
• Banner Group Limited
• Becton Dickinson UK Limited
• Cambridge Sensors Ltd
• Cod Beck Blenders Ltd
• Crest Medical Ltd
• Ecolab Ltd
• Essity UK Ltd – Health & Medical Solutions
• Fannin UK Ltd
• Gama Healthcare Ltd
• Iskus Health UK Ltd
• KCI Medical Limited
• LINC Medical
• Lyreco UK Limited
• Mediq Healthcare UK Ltd
• Medline Industries Ltd
• Molnlycke Health Care Ltd
• PAL International Ltd
• PDI (EMEA) Ltd
• Polyco Healthline
• Premium Wipes & Textiles Ltd
• Procotech Limited
• PTP Healthcare Ltd
• Reliance Medical Ltd
• Saraco Industries
• Schulke & Mayr UK Ltd
• Sharon Services UK Ltd
• Terramed Limited
• Valley Northern Ltd
• Vernacare International Ltd.

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

• Bio-Tech Solutions Ltd
• Optimum Medical Solutions Ltd
• Pearmine Health Ltd
• Potter & Moore Innovations Limited
• Prosys International Ltd
• Paul Hartmann Ltd.

There is an extensive product list from a wide range of suppliers in the market. 204 new products have been added, and these are highlighted in the product listing.

We have added a new sub lot within lot 3 for personal care products addressing health inequalities – for people of diverse ethnicities.

There is also a disruptive innovation product added to the framework, Steriwave Nasal Photo Disinfection in lot 4.

Please contact the Category team for further information on Steriwave Nasal Photo Disinfection.

There are six lots on this framework:

Lot 1: Patient Cleansing Wet and Dry Wipes (Plastic Free)

• Plastic free patient dry wipes
• Plastic free patient cleansing wet wipes.

Lot 2: Waterless Bathing

• 3-in-1 continence care wipes
• Waterless hair and body cleansing products.

Lot 3: Personal Care and Patient Hygiene

• Patient bathing products
• Shaving products
• Patient grooming products
• Patient dental hygiene
• Personal care packs
• Personal care products addressing health inequalities. For people of diverse ethnicities.

Lot 4: Antimicrobial Cleansing

• Alcohol swabs
• Antimicrobial body cleansing products containing chlorhexidine
• Antimicrobial body cleansing products not containing chlorhexidine
• Skin disinfectants classified as biocides
• Innovation – Steriwave Nasal Photo Disinfection.

Lot 5: Skin Disinfectant (Medicinal Products)

• Skin disinfectants
• Surgical scrub.

Lot 6: Pre-operative Skin Preparation

• Surgical skin marker pens
• Surgical scrub brushes
• Electric hair clippers.

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

Product training is available directly from the suppliers on all products that sit within lots 2, 4 and 5.

The minimum training requirements that suppliers must provide have been written into the framework specification.

About the products

In acute healthcare settings, a range of hygiene and infection prevention products are essential for maintaining patient safety and comfort.

Patient cleansing wet and dry wipes, continence care wipes, and washing and bathing products are used for routine personal hygiene, especially for bed-bound or immobile patients, helping to prevent skin irritation and infection while preserving dignity.

Personal care and grooming products, such as combs and moisturisers, support patient wellbeing and are often used during daily care routines.

Antimicrobial cleansing wipes and liquids, particularly those containing chlorhexidine gluconate, are critical for preoperative decolonisation to reduce the risk of surgical site infections.

Licensed skin disinfectants, surgical scrubs, and scrub brushes are used by surgical teams to ensure aseptic conditions before procedures, while surgical skin marker pens assist in accurate incision planning.

Electric hair clippers are used to remove hair from surgical sites, minimising infection risk without causing micro abrasions.

These products are typically used by a variety of healthcare professionals including nurses (ward, theatre, and infection control), healthcare assistants, operating department practitioners (ODPs), surgeons, anaesthetists, and preoperative assessment staff, depending on the stage of care and the procedure involved.

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.