Elective recovery drive at risk from product shortages, warns NHS Supply Chain

Long-running supply issues with blood collection equipment risk delaying the elective recovery, according to an internal NHS Supply Chain communication seen by HSJ.

Global supply and manufacturing delays have caused the delivery of blood collection sets, apparatus used to draw intravenous blood into vacuum tubes, by months. The problems are affecting multiple products and suppliers.

An NHS Supply Chain procurement advisory cell communication warned trusts: “There is a risk that the continued supply disruption of blood collection sets is delaying elective recovery, with providers restricting blood collection to continue to prioritise urgent procedures.” 

This is the second “important customer notice” relating to supply problems with blood collection equipment issued by the national procurement agency.

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Source: HSJ, 9 May 2023