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.
Value to healthcare
NHS Core List will provide confidence in the products bought, work towards having our lowest possible prices and deliver a more reliable and resilient service.
Procurement benefits
NHS Core List will deliver value to the system through a single procurement route. Meaning our collective buying ability is leveraged.
Accredited frameworks
Our frameworks meet the required Central Commercial Function framework accreditation (as outlined by NHS England within their Commercial best practice).
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).
Benefits to our partners
Core List is designed to make buying easier, more efficient, and fully accountable – helping partners save time and maintain confidence in every transaction. By delivering a simplified buying experience, our partners will enjoy a streamlined and consistent purchasing process through approved suppliers and systems.
Simplified Product Range
NHS Core List will deliver clinically appropriate products whilst removing unnecessary variation.
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.
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.
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.
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 have stood up a NHS Core List Customer Working Group, which includes regional representation of procurement and clinical partners who will be responsible for co-creating the pipeline of future products. The group will support the review, engagement, and deployment of the NHS Core List across Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).
Product categories on the NHS Core List
Pipeline (opportunities in progress)
These opportunities have been approved for inclusion onto the NHS Core List and are progressing through our rigorous processes towards launch.
Where a go-live quarter is shown, this is an indicative date. We’ll update it as soon as the confirmed go-live date is agreed.
NHS Core List opportunities
Opportunities under assessment
We’re currently reviewing a significant number of opportunities for inclusion on the NHS Core List, as we continue to develop the NHS Core List pipeline.
Each opportunity listed on the downloadable Excel document on this page is going through our assessment process which considers clinical, resilience, sustainability and commercial factors. Every opportunity reviewed must meet each of these critical requirements to part of the NHS Core List and adhere to our guiding principles to deliver value to the NHS.
Once approved, an opportunity will move onto the NHS Core List pipeline. If a product category isn’t suitable for inclusion, we’ll share the rationale behind that decision.
We welcome your input on the NHS Core List. If you’ve delivered a successful project in any of the product categories currently under assessment, we’d like to hear from you. Please share your examples with us via our inbox.
NHS Core List
Products already on the NHS Core List
We launched the NHS Core List on 2 February 2026 with Scissors and Waste Bags, with Pressure Infusers added a few weeks later. These products were 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. Since then we have continued to add further product categories.
See our Downloads ▼ section to view the product categories on the NHS Core List and the full product listing.
Next steps – what do I need to do?
Please review and take the appropriate actions based on one of the 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.
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
See our Downloads ▼ section to view our FAQs.
If you have any questions not covered in this document, please contact: