Skip to main content

NCP FAQs Medical Pulp

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

The aim of this NCP exercise was to mitigate the implementation of supplier framework agreement pricing, which would have led to significant price increases for the NHS.
 
If the NCP had not been renewed and framework pricing had been implemented, a national cost pressure of approximately £2.8 million would have been realised. The procurement exercise has however, been able to mitigate the national cost pressure down to £1.3 million. With this NCP the NHS will still save money in comparison with 2018 to 2020 Medical Pulp product pricing.

2. Which products have been included in this NCP?

The following products have been included in this NCP exercise:
·       Bedpan Liner – 2 Litre
·       Bedpan Liner – 1.3 Litre Slipper
·       Bedpan Liner – 2 Litre Slipper
·       Kidney Dish – 700ml
·       General Purpose Bowl – 1 Litre
·       Measuring Jug – 1 Litre
·       Urine Sampling Cup – 200ml
·       Pulp Tray – Large size.

A full list of all new and delisted products is available on the NCP Medical Pulp web page, see our Useful Links section for more information.

3. Which suppliers were successful?

The following suppliers were successful in this NCP exercise:
·       Moulded Fibre Products Limited
·       Praxis Medical Limited
·       Unisurge International Limited
·       Vernacare Limited.

4. Are any suppliers being delisted?

Four Vernacare Limited products were unsuccessful in being renewed for this NCP and will be removed (delisted) from the online catalogue for a minimum period of twelve months. These products will be delisted from the online catalogue from 14 April 2023, where these products are to be replaced by Praxis Medical, Vernacare stock will continue to be made available up until the replacement date, 02 May 2023.

5. Will all products be stocked in all depots?

The stock has been split by depot and by supplier. See our Downloads section to view further information on the depot split in the product matrix.

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?

There will be eight new NPC codes.

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 has been engaging with trusts directly about 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 NHSEI 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?

This report can be found here: https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/saving/medical-pulp/

17. 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.