NHS Supply Chain has signed new agreements with the two largest radiotherapy equipment manufacturers to offer the NHS industry-leading deals on linear accelerators.
NHS Supply Chain’s bulk purchase agreements with Elekta and Varian utilise the Department of Health’s Capital Equipment Fund to generate significant cost savings for its radiotherapy customers.
The £300m fund, managed by NHS Supply Chain, was established for this very purpose of helping the NHS capitalise on its purchasing power.
The deals are based on a core device configuration, yet allow customers to add additional options and design bespoke machines to meet their specific clinical requirements.
As well as generating significant cost savings, NHS Supply Chain offers customers a full end-to-end project management service at no extra cost to assist them throughout the procurement process. This helps ensure their equipment needs are met in the most time and cost efficient way.
NHS Supply Chain is already working with various customers to determine their needs and, by utilising the framework agreement, offer a fully European procurement policy compliant route to purchase.
Through the Capital Equipment Fund, NHS Supply Chain has committed nearly £100m to updating radiotherapy services in England resulting in just over £7.7m worth of savings for the NHS.
Commenting on the latest deals, Tracy Bagnall, NHS Supply Chain buyer, said: “NHS Supply Chain offers the main, and most-efficient, route for the NHS to purchase linear accelerators. We are proud to be playing a key role in the adoption of the latest technology and have already helped a large number of customers replace their ageing radiotherapy equipment.
“We work with trusts across the country to meet their clinical requirements and ensure new equipment is procured and installed as quickly as possible in order to help improve patient outcomes and make real savings.
“Organisations interested in replacing or upgrading their linear accelerators should contact NHS Supply Chain to find out more about how we can help them procure the latest technology. Doing so will ensure they can continue providing high-quality patient care while saving much needed money for use elsewhere in the NHS.”
