NCP FAQs Three Panel Knee Immobilisers
1. What is the aim of Nationally Contracted Products (NCP) and how are the products chosen?
The aim of this NCP exercise is to rationalise the number of suppliers and products, create savings through consolidating volume, and to aggregate national demand to provide a sustainable competitive price for the NHS.
2. Which products have been included in this NCP?
Three Panel Knee Immobilisers have been included in this NCP exercise.
A full list of all new and delisted products is available on the NCP Three Panel Knee Immobilisers web page, see our Useful Links section for more information.
3. Which suppliers were successful?
The following suppliers were successful in this NCP exercise:
- Promedics Orthopaedic Limited (80% volume)
- Thuasne UK (20% volume).
4. Are any suppliers being delisted?
Products of the following suppliers are being delisted for a minimum period of 12 months:
- Beagle Orthopaedic Ltd
- Benecare
- BSN Medical Ltd
- Chaneco
- Crest Medical Ltd
- Kare Ltd
- Medi UK
- Ossur UK Ltd
- Performance Health
- Talarmade Ltd.
5. Will all products be stocked in all depots?
The stock has been split by depot and by supplier as per the table below.
| Depot | Promedics Orthopaedic Ltd | Thuasne Ltd |
| Alfreton | X | |
| Bridgwater | X | |
| Maidstone | X | |
| Normanton | X | |
| Rugby | X | |
| Runcorn | X | |
| Suffolk Park | X |
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?
No, the existing NPC codes will remain the same.
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. Support from trusts to achieve the volume savings for all partners.
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 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.
16. Where can I find the NCP Customer Report for more detailed information about the products and specifications?
The NCP Customer Report can be found on the website.
See our Useful Links section for more information.
17. Where can I get more detailed information?
Please visit the NCP web page 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.