NHS trusts given the chance to ‘try before they buy’ as part of supply chain endeavour
A three month trial co-ordinating the provision of sample medical devices to hospitals and clinics has been extended by NHS Supply Chain.
The new system offers a structured approach for trusts to access the wide range of products available on contract and test a selected device before making an informed buying decision. NHS Supply Chain's customer service manager, Alex Fletcher, said: "Properly-managed samples can offer trusts a chance to look at the products which they are not currently using and make informed decisions. Drivers like QIPP 91 for the standardisation of products are just as valid as those changes forced because an item may have changed or been withdrawn, or for new product innovations.
Properly-managed samples can offer trusts a chance to look at the products which they are not currently using and make informed decisions
"Either way the buyers in the NHS need to find a solution that helps to meet the precise needs of their trust, but with the reassurance that the products have the necessary quality to do the job and that staff are comfortable using them."
The service provides a detailed audit trail about the samples and the feedback from the trial, which is then available to other trusts. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the organisations that has already tried the system, using it to find a new paper supplier. Senior buyer, Andrew Pettit, said: "Last year we used 56,226 reams of paper for stationary and we have made the switch because we could test it and make sure it could do the job at the same time as meeting environmental and cost savings.
"We have now taken it on board because, based on our expected same usage of stationary this year, using the new paper represents a potential saving of £7,309.38 or 5.3%. Sampling let us try before we buy and it worked out for us."
A spokesman for NHS Supply Chain said there are an increasing number of suppliers willing to support sample trialling when conducted as part of an intended trust-wide product change. He added: "Our NHS customers expect quality and value for money, and our 'try before you buy' process is a very welcome and necessary support of customer service."