BIVDA’s Head of Market Access, Beth Loudon, attended the first joint NHSE and NHSSC Trade Association Forum on 3rd December.
DHSC’s David Lawson and Andrea Gibson presented an update on the Design for Life implementation roadmap and the Value Based Procurement Methodology (VBP). The VBP Methodology will be piloted with procurement teams in the Spring and will also be shared with Trade Associations.
David also updated on the development on the central Product Information Management (PIM) database which was identified as a strategic priority in the NHSE Commercial Framework, this is in Beta testing phase.
BIVDA provided feedback and examples of the disconnect between the central ambition on the implementation of VBP and the reality at an NHS local level of the lack of capacity, incentive and understanding on VBP.
It was reported that the 10 year plan is due for publication in May 2025 and is likely to include initiatives to address NHS financial silos. The NHSE Priorities and Operational Planning guidance for 2024/25 is due to be launched before Christmas this year.
Fiona Hilton from NHSE Commercial and her team gave an update of the Framework Accreditation scheme. 20 Framework Agreement hosts have been accredited and the new year will see this evolve into Framework Agreement accreditation which will be reviewed ‘by category’.
This will be launched in January and will be consulted on before the scope and prioritisation of the categories is confirmed. BIVDA will be key to this consultation in reviewing the Frameworks that currently provide a route to market for the IVD market.
In addition the NHSSC Supplier Webinar was held on 4th December (slides here). Updates were provided on the NHSSC Supplier Development programme and specifically on the launch of the Medtech SME Forum. Updates on the digital programme and sustainability were also provided.
If you have any queries or requests regarding this update please contact beth.loudon@bivda.org.uk
