NCP FAQs Super Absorbent Dressings

1. What is the aim of Nationally Contracted Products (NCP) and how are the products chosen?

The aim was to ensure resilience and continuity of supply in the Super Absorbent Dressings product range. To aggregate national demand and provide a sustainable competitive price for the NHS. Suppliers were invited to tender via an eAuction in order to deliver standardisation and efficiencies.

2. How does this align with the National Wound Care Strategy Programme (NWCSP)?

The Category Tower Service Provider (CTSP) are currently working towards aligning all their wound care strategies with the work of the NWCSP. This strategy outcome preceded the specification work that is currently being undertaken nationally, however this range of products will be included within the scope of the national work for the next framework renewal.

3. Which products have been included in this NCP?

A full list of all new and delisted products is available on the NCP Super Absorbent Dressings page, See our Useful Links section for more information.

4. Which suppliers were successful?

Paul Hartmann Ltd, Richardson Healthcare Ltd and Advancis Medical are the
successfully awarded suppliers for this NCP exercise.

5. Are any suppliers being delisted?

Products of the following unsuccessful suppliers will be removed (delisted) from the online catalogue for a minimum period of 12 months:

• 365 Healthcare
• H&R Healthcare Ltd
• L&R Medical UK Ltd
• Molnlycke Health Care Ltd.

6. Will all products be stocked in all depots?

All products will available nationally. The stocking of products at specific depots will be determined by the level of demand.

7. Will you still have stock of current products available when the Super Absorbent Dressings NCP is launched on 2 December 2019?

Existing products will be available until 2 December 2019 at which point they will remain available while stocks last, after this point you will only be able to order the NCP products.

8. Are the NPC codes changing?

NPC codes will not change.

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. Are product examples available?

Yes, product examples are available to all trusts that wish or require to switch products. If required, a minimum of one unit of issue will be supplied by each of the suppliers.

11. 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.

12. What will happen if I choose to order directly from the supplier?

NHS Improvement has been engaging with trusts directly over the expectation that they will support this national programme. Monitoring of trust spend will be in place through the national price benchmarking tool and, where a trust is not participating in the national savings programme, their actions will have to be justified.

13. 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.

14. What impact will this have on any customer commitment discounts and retrospective rebates?

In line with the recommendations of the Carter report there is a national strategy to deliver transparent pricing. There are therefore;

• no commitment discounts / retrospective rebates
• no local commitment discounts / retrospective rebates
• no facilitated commitment discount schemes.

15. What if my trust is currently buying a similar product at a cheaper price?

Benchmarking prices using NHSI’s national price benchmarking tool PPIB, will highlight where a trust may be paying a cheaper local price. We would ask you to please notify NHSI and your Account Manager of these instances in order that the situation can be addressed.

16. 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 Account Manager, and the successful suppliers on the NCP programme 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.

17. Where can I get more detailed information?

Please visit the Nationally Contracted Products page for the latest information about the NCP programme.

You can also contact your Account Manager or Customer Services Advisor.

See our Useful Links section for more information.