NCP FAQs Adult ECG Electrodes
1. What is the aim of NCP and how are the products chosen?
The aim of this NCP exercise was to mitigate any cost pressures as a result of previous NCP expiring on the 2 June 2021, on the Electrodes Ultrasound Gels Defibrillation and Related Consumables 2020 framework renewal. The renewal of this NCP has not only resulted in mitigating a cost pressure of returning to the national price, but generated £117,000 saving.
2. Which products have been included in this NCP?
The following products have been included in this NCP exercise:
- Adult Tab ECG Electrode Solid Gel
- Adult Tab ECG Electrode Wet Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode with a Centre Stud, Foam backing, Solid Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Centre Stud, 3 Pack, Foam backing, Wet Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Centre Stud, Cloth/Microporous Tape Backing, Solid Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Centre Carbon Stud (Radiolucent), Foam Backing, Solid Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Centre Carbon Stud (Radiolucent), Foam Backing, Wet Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Offset Stud, Foam Backing, Wet Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Offset Stud, Cloth/ Microporous tape Backing, Suitable for Sensitive skin, size range 68mm – 72mm diameter, Wet Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Offset Stud, Cloth/ Microporous Backing, size range 55mm – 60mm diameter, Wet Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode Centre Stud, Cloth/Microporous Tape Backing, Wet Gel
- Adult ECG Electrode with a Centre Stud, Foam backing, Wet Gel.
3. Which suppliers were successful?
- Ambu UK Ltd
- Fannin
- Nissha Medical Technologies Ltd.
4. Are any suppliers being delisted?
There are no delisted suppliers: All incumbent suppliers awarded to NCP renewal
5. Will all products be stocked in all depots?
This NCP is dual supplied but segmented by depot split: 12 products, with each line having a 70:30 supply split. The first winning supplier (70% of volume) will be in selected depots and the 2nd winning supplier (30%) will be in the remaining depots.
6. Can trusts choose which product to purchase?
Trusts will not be able to choose which product they purchase. Trusts will be supplied the product that is assigned to their current servicing depot.
7. What happens if the depot that services my trust is out of stock of the allocated product?
If stock within the supplying depot is unavailable, then orders will be fulfilled from another depot in the network.
8. Are the NPC codes changing?
The only changes to NPC’s will potentially be what is available to your trust.
9. Do I need to make any system changes to update standing orders and favourite lists?
Updates to favourites lists, standing orders and eDC requirements should be carried out by the trust in line with your normal procedures.
10. What supply chain resilience can you guarantee if one of the suppliers has a supply issue?
The NCP procurement process includes a range of due diligence activities to ensure there is supply chain resilience and sustainable continuity of supply to NHS customers. Both NHS Supply Chain and the suppliers have increased stock holding and, in the event of any supply issue, direct alternatives will be supplied, at point of order, at no extra cost to the trust.
11. What will happen if I choose to order directly from the supplier?
NHS England / Improvement has been engaging with trusts directly over the expectation that they will support this national programme.
12. Is there a risk that existing products will be delisted too soon?
Delisted stock lines will be listed as “available whilst stock lasts”, any outstanding stock will still be available until stock has been depleted. You can continue to utilise your stocks of the current lines until these have also been depleted.
13. What should trusts do if there are issues with the product they are allocated?
In the first instance please contact your Customer Services Advisor.
14. What if my trust is currently buying a similar product at a cheaper price?
Benchmarking prices using NHSI’s national price benchmarking tool, Spend Comparison Service (SCS), will highlight where a trust may be paying a cheaper local price. We would ask you to please notify NHSE/I and your Customer Relationship Manager of these instances in order that the situation can be addressed.
15. What support will be available to trusts during the implementation/conversion period to minimise the impact on current resources?
Support will be available from your Customer Relationship Manager, and the successful suppliers can provide you with product training and information if required.
Information is also available via our Clinical Nurse Advisors.
See our Useful Links section for more information.
16. Where can I find the NCP Customer Report for more detailed information about the products and specifications?
https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/saving/adult-ecg-electrodes/
17. Can NHS Supply Chain confirm the NCP will be compliant to the National Patient Safety Alert published 1st September 2020?
We have been working with the 3 main suppliers since 2020 to ensure they could comply with the requirements of the safety alert by the end of the compliance period, 1 June 2021. We have confirmation of production schedule changes which should enable suppliers to be physically supplying the product, all with identifiable backings, by the 1 June 2021.
18. Where can I get more detailed information?
Please visit www.supplychain.nhs.uk/ncp for the latest information about NCP.
You can also contact your Customer Relationship Manager or Customer Services Advisor.
See our Useful Links section for more information.