Early Informs
In response to customer feedback, when possible we provide ‘Early Informs’, to help ensure we are giving you information about potential supply disruption as soon as we can.
There are three status options for ‘Early Informs’ as follows:
- In Progress – when we don’t have enough information yet to publish an Important Customer Notice (ICN).
- Moved to ICN – an ‘Early Inform’ that has now progressed to a full ICN about the supply issue.
- Resolved – an issue that we informed you about on this page, but was resolved quickly so it did not require an ICN.
Customers are advised to regularly visit our ICN pages for the latest published ICN updates.
In Progress
In all of these cases:
- We are working to collate all available information and assess any impact to NHS Supply Chain customers.
- Customers are reminded to order based on requirements, to support the entirety of the NHS having continuity of supply.
- If you have any immediate issues then please contact your Customer Services Advisor.
Supply Issues – Blatchford eDirect Products
ID: 2871
Date: 12 March 2025
- Blatchford Limited have advised that they will be closed for their annual stock take between 31 March and 4 April 2025.
- During this period, orders for eDirect products can still be placed but there will be extended lead times due to the pause in shipping.
- Orders received during the closure period will be shipped week commencing 7 April 2025.
- A full ICN will follow with further details of the affected products and available alternatives as soon as possible.
Supply Issues – Crest Medical eDirect Products
ID: 2868
Date: 11 March 2025
- Crest Medical have advised that they are relocating to a new facility in Warrington due to growth, with their Hospital Division relocating between 31 March and 7 April 2025.
- The last date Crest Medical will be delivering eDirect product orders prior to this move is 26 March 2025. Shipping will recommence week commencing 7 April 2025.
- During this period, orders for eDirect products can still be placed but there will be extended lead times due to the pause in shipping.
- We have identified 393 affected eDirect products. Please factor in any new lead times when ordering over this time.
- Stocked products are not impacted and will be delivered as normal.
- A full ICN will follow with further details of the affected products and available alternatives as soon as possible.
Moved to ICN
‘Early Informs’ in this section have now progressed to an ICN and can now be found in our ICNs section.
Supply Issues – Steris Solutions Ltd Endoscopy Consumables, Sterile Services Consumables, Chemistry Products, Pressure Area Care and Patient Handling
ID: 2852
Date: 4 March 2025
- We have been advised by Steris Solutions Ltd that they will be undertaking their annual stock check between 7 and 14 March 2025 which will impact deliveries of eDirect products from its Northampton warehouse.
Supply Issues – ICU Medical International Limited Blood Gas Syringes
ID: 2722
Date: 29 October 2024
- NHS Supply Chain has been advised that a logistics delay has been caused by US port closures.
Supply Issues Multiple Suppliers Single Use Protective Wear – Lot 7 Theatre Caps
ID: 2607
Date: 19 July 2024
- NHS Supply Chain has been made aware of a supply issue with products from multiple suppliers in this category.