From combating healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), to helping save premature babies’ lives, NHS Supply Chain’s current showcase of innovative products have one similarity; they all deliver true value to the NHS. 

 

“Innovation is vital to the NHS,” said Emma Tandy, task force manager for NHS Supply Chain. “It is key in developing and improving processes within trusts for the benefit of staff and patients alike.

 

“Delivering a new product from bench to bedside can often take anywhere between three and five years. By working collaboratively with the NHS National Innovation Centre (NIC), we are recognising innovation and supporting suppliers to bring their innovative products to market much more quickly.” 

 

The Innovation Scorecard was launched last month to provide a central hub for all suppliers wanting to register new products for potential use within the NHS. It enables NHS Supply Chain to offer pilot contracts to suppliers and deliver value and innovation to trusts.

 

To ensure that prospective products deliver the best value to the NHS, clinical feedback is obtained via NHS Supply Chain’s task force network.

 

Tandy said: “To date, we’ve received 19 new innovation submissions. All are in different areas and are at varying stages of assessment. Some will be within our remit, some won’t, but if we can’t help, we will recommend the supplier to other supporting organisations.”

 

She added: “Our definition of innovation is a product that is brand new to the NHS, or an improved product that can demonstrate significant benefits for the NHS in terms of value, efficiency or patient care.  Products that fit these criteria are ideal for consideration through the new Innovation Scorecard process.”