NHS Core List
We have been commissioned to develop and implement a new NHS Core List of products, as part of a Strategic Framework for NHS Commercial.
The Strategic Framework for NHS Commercial sets out how simplifying and speeding up procurement processes, removing unnecessary bureaucracy and embedding consistent application of commercial standards and practice can deliver improvements in how we work.
The NHS Core List is one of the “How We Work” interventions aimed at:
- ensuring full leverage of the NHS’ national buying power by commissioning the national supply management organisation, NHS Supply Chain, to manage the sourcing and supply of a core range of standard commodities (to be known as the NHS Core List) on behalf of all NHS providers
- achieving high levels of compliance, cost containment and supply resilience
- managing and coordinating key supply markets through effective NHS-wide collaboration including across key clinical networks.
This activity is further supported by NHS England’s Operational Planning Guidance.
See our Useful Links section for more information about the role of our Clinical team, the Strategic Framework for NHS Commercial and the Operational Planning Guidance.
NHS Core List principles
Core List will simplify the purchasing process, making it easier, more efficient, and accountable of our partners. It will enable providers to make clear procurement decisions releasing financial and operational efficiencies.
Simplified Product Range
NHS Core List will deliver clinically appropriate products whilst removing unnecessary variation.
Streamlined Procurement
By leveraging a single purchasing route, we will maximise our increased buying power and deliver optimal value to the NHS.
High Level of Service
Products will be supported by a high service level, with minimal risk to patient care underpinned by collaborative sharing of data and insight.
Reliable and Resilient Supply Chain
We will provide you with an even higher level of confidence that you will have the right product at the right time through our enhanced supplier engagement and supply chain knowledge.
Assurance
Products will be supported by clinically identified alternative products (where applicable), further strengthening confidence and assurance in availability. Plus, all suppliers are assessed for Modern Day Slavery and sustainability (Evergreen).
Accredited Procurement Framework
Our frameworks meet the required Central Commercial Function framework accreditation (as outlined by NHS England within their Commercial best practice).
NHS Supply Chain’s role
NHS Supply Chain will:
- Manage the sourcing, supply, and ongoing governance of NHS Core List
- Work in partnership with suppliers to enable better forecasting, planning and ultimately a single route of supply into the NHS
- Coordinate key supply markets in collaboration with NHS England and clinical networks
- Support high levels of compliance and cost containment
- Provide clear, accessible information and engagement to help trusts prepare for adoption.
Core List will be rolled out in phases to enable learnings to be adopted throughout the lifetime of the programme. Establishing a foundation of resilience and reassurance in quality, building confidence in the programme and taking the NHS on the journey with us.
In the coming weeks, we will stand up a Core List Customer Working Group, which will include regional representation of procurement and clinical partners who will be responsible for co-creating the pipeline of future products.
Phase One: Feb 2026
- Launch of the NHS Core List programme and initial list of products announced
- Introduction of a small number of clinical categories
- Review and evaluation
Phase Two: May 2026
- To be defined following learnings from phase one
Phase Three: Sept / Oct 2026
- To be defined following learnings from phase two
Scissors and Waste Bags will be launched in Phase One and will be available from the core list from 2 February 2026. Additional categories will be available in future phases.
Phase One products will cover:
| Category | Product |
| Single Use Scissors | Scissors Mayo straight Scissors blunt Scissors blunt sharp Scissors Iris straight Scissors Lister bandage Scissors sharp Single use scissors other |
| Clinical Waste Bags | Orange 18 micron Orange 21 micron Orange 35 micron Orange 40 micron Orange 45 micron Yellow 18 micron Yellow 21 micron Yellow 35 micron Yellow 40 micron |
See our Downloads ▼ section to view the full product listing.
Phase One products have been selected as we have a high market share and all of the products are available through our stocked route providing an acceptable level of resilience and supply to meet increased demand.
Over time, we will expand the list of products to include additional clinical areas, where there are opportunities to rationalise, standardise and drive value through switching. This will be led by Michelle Johnson, our Executive Clinical Director together with her clinical team.
Stakeholder collaboration
We have engaged comprehensively with our partners throughout the development of the programme with a series of panels and webinars to ensure feedback was the foundation of its design. This collaborative approach is fundamental to ensuring the adoption of NHS Core List.
Throughout the development stage, our suppliers have provided essential information including manufacturing lead times, transport methods, storage locations and business continuity plans to help support the NHS Core List programme. Together, we have taken every step possible to ensure resilience is strong, there is no supply risk and that patient care is not disrupted.
We will continue to engage with all stakeholders as we add further product categories.
Next steps – what do I need to do?
Please review and take the appropriate actions based on one of the three scenarios shown.
NHS Core List products already purchased through NHS Supply Chain
- No change – continue to purchase the NHS Core List products via NHS Supply Chain.
Alternative products on our catalogue, not on the NHS Core List
- Switch to products on the NHS Core List during Phase One where appropriate.
NHS Core List products purchased directly from suppliers
- No contract arrangement – switch your route to NHS Supply Chain on launch date.
- Contract arrangement in place – switch your route to NHS Supply Chain once your contract expires.
If you have not previously been purchasing products on the core list through our route or you will be substantially changing your demand, you will be required to complete a Demand Capture Form by trust and product. This is so we can increase our stock holding accordingly.
See our Downloads ▼ section to access the Demand Capture Form.
Trust Impact Statements
Trust Impact Statements will be shared and your ICS Manager will be in touch to take trusts through these.
Frequently asked questions
We will have hypercare in place, where we will be closely monitoring each product and the service level we are delivering. We will have a dedicated team in place for any immediate support you may require. Please contact your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager or email NHSCoreList@supplychain.nhs.uk
Samples should not be required as the first phase of the NHS Core List does not require product switching.
You will be able to easily identify the products within the ‘Brand’ field on our catalogue.
We will work this through with the trust and the supplier on a case-by-case basis, to understand the reasons for an alternative route. However, we are not asking trusts and suppliers to prematurely end a contract arrangement that is in place, simply switch over to the NHS Supply Chain when your contract comes to an end.
If you have any questions not covered in this section, please contact:
