The organisation explained: “Unlike traditional frameworks for the supply of goods and services, the DPS simplifies and overcomes barriers to entry that small-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) face when tendering to supply NHS Trusts. The new process is streamlined by eliminating the requirement for suppliers to provide financial evaluations when initially entering the DPS process, and instead occurs at a later stage. This will allow public sector organisations to buy goods and services compliantly from a range of innovative medical technology categories through an ‘open market’ solution, enabling buyers the opportunity to purchase from a pool of pre-qualified suppliers.”
Additional benefits of the DPS include:
A quicker, simpler approval process compared with standard framework agreements.
DPS remains open to new suppliers throughout the agreement period.
Improved accessibility for SMEs.
NHS Supply Chain added: “The Innovation DPS for Medical Technology products will enable a compliant, efficient, and assured process for innovative medical technology products. Using our scale the DPS will reduce the burden on suppliers, and accelerate product innovation into the NHS to offer new ways of delivering care, improved patient outcomes, and cost savings.”
The Medical Technology DPS for Innovative Products includes the following categories:
Orthopaedics, Trauma, and Spine.
Ophthalmology.
Audiology.
Cardiology.
Endourology.
Endoscopy.
Neuromodulation.
Oncology Ablation.
Minimally Invasive Surgery.
IVDR products/ tests (Pathology and Point of Care).
Interventional Radiology, Perfusion, and Radiology.