NHS Launches Value-Based Procurement Pilot for Medical Tech
The NHS has initiated a significant shift in procurement strategy, launching value based procurement (VBP) pilot studies for medical technology across England. Thirteen NHS trusts are participating in the initial phase, with a broader rollout expected by early 2026. Health Minister Zubir Ahmed has expressed support for VBP, highlighting its focus on long-term patient outcomes and sustainability.
VBP prioritizes long-term patient outcomes, safety, and whole-pathway value over the lowest upfront price. This approach is a departure from the previous focus on lower initial cost. The NHS spends around £10 billion annually on medical technology, making the shift substantial. Successful VBP adoption requires robust metrics, standardised procurement practice, and transparency in supplier claims.
The Cardiology and Vascular Framework, worth about £1 billion, is a major testbed for VBP. Trusts like Barts Health NHS Trust have already seen savings of around £103,000 annually through innovative meshes that reduce infection rates and readmissions. Pilot areas include cardiology and vascular devices, as well as AI applications in clinical settings. University Hospitals of Leicester, for instance, saved through increased use of remote-monitoring cardiac devices, despite higher upfront costs.
Thirteen NHS trusts, including notable ones like Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, are pioneering this change. The NHS aims to ensure that the procurement of medical technology truly serves patients' best interests and delivers long-term value for the healthcare system.
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