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The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has produced a new report analysing product spend within the NHS Supply Chain Framework for Artificial Limb Components and Associated Products. This information is exclusively available to BHTA members.
The report has been made possible through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the BHTA to NHS Supply Chain, giving members valuable visibility into NHS procurement activity that is not routinely available.
Covering the period 23 November 2024 to 21 November 2025, the report provides an overview of product spend, usage, monthly activity, and purchasing patterns across the prosthetics framework.
The findings offer members a useful opportunity to better understand procurement trends and market dynamics within the prosthetics sector, supporting informed strategic decision-making.
Members of the Prosthetics and Orthotic Section can download the full report here.
BHTA members supplying healthcare and mobility equipment are encouraged to review a new tender opportunity launched by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS).
NHS SBS has issued a major framework tender for the provision of Community and Acute Equipment and Services, including continence products and delivery. The framework, reference SBS10525, aims to establish a comprehensive supply route for NHS and social care organisations across the UK. The total estimated value of the framework is £500 million (excluding VAT), running for a period of four years from 4 January 2027 to 3 January 2031.
The framework is divided into five lots:
Community and Acute Equipment – aids to daily living, moving and handling, clinical furniture, patient treatment couches, with associated repair and maintenance services.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Beds and Mattresses – manual and electric beds, static, dynamic and hybrid mattresses, and seating.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Wheelchairs – standard, bariatric, paediatric and portering models, with related servicing.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Combined Lot – a one-stop option for suppliers awarded to two or more lots, supporting integrated or managed service models.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Continence Products Home Delivery Service – supply and delivery of continence and self-care products for use in home settings.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Suppliers may bid for one or more lots. NHS SBS notes that sustainability and social value will form a significant part of the evaluation criteria.
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the SAP Ariba portal.
This framework will support NHS and social care organisations in procuring essential community and acute equipment efficiently and ethically. SMEs, VCSEs, and established suppliers of healthcare products and services are encouraged to review the full tender documentation and consider participation.
For further information, suppliers can contact nsbs.categorymanagementsourcing@nhs.net.
The BHTA joined NHS Supply Chain’s (NHSCC) latest supplier webinar on 12 November 2025 to hear updates on key procurement developments. The session provided practical information to help suppliers understand upcoming changes, maintain compliance with NHS procurement standards, and engage more effectively with NHSCC.
Matthew Griffin, Head of Procurement Operations, outlined how NHSCC is helping suppliers adapt to changes brought about by the Procurement Act 2023. A series of new user guides, short videos, and updated website content has been created to make information easier to access. For more information and access to these supplier resources, visit the NHSCC suppliers section.
Matthew also emphasised NHSCC’s increasing focus on cyber security, with new requirements to safeguard systems and sensitive data. A dedicated section on the website provides guidance on meeting these standards. He highlighted the importance of early engagement with the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and recommended suppliers familiarise themselves with the Contract and Tender Process pages.
The updated procurement calendar was also noted as a useful tool showing NHSCC’s current and upcoming contract pipeline.
Tim Plackett, Performance and Risk Manager, underlined the importance of keeping supplier information up to date within the Central Digital Platform (CDP). Suppliers should ensure their company and product details, including insurance certificates, accreditations, and financial standing, remain current. This supports smoother tenders and contract management.
Tim encouraged suppliers to provide as much detail as possible, stating to suppliers that a good rule of thumb is to assume buyers know nothing about them. He clarified that Supplier Economic and Financial Standing (EFS) is not a pass or fail measure, but it may affect how NHSCC works with individual suppliers.
Category managers can also provide product data extracts at contract level to suppliers, including some information about competitors, though these exclude sensitive commercial information.
Byron Vincent, Head of Performance and Business Management, presented the Buying Principles, which reflect NHSCC’s commitment to more sustainable, fair, transparent, and effective procurement. The principles form part of NHSCC’s wider modernisation programme and align with national health objectives under the NHS 10-Year Plan.
Centred around three ambitions – Buy Smart, Supply Right, and Partner Expertly – the framework aims to deliver £1 billion in cumulative value to the NHS by 2030. Byron explained that NHSCC will place greater emphasis on value-based procurement, assessing the total value of products and services rather than focusing solely on cost.
The seven buying principles are: