Safety recommendation
It is recommended that NHS Supply Chain develops essential specifications to support the clinically-led procurement of devices to include devices to confirm NG tube placement, for example, pH testing strips.
The essential specifications should set out a range of factors critical to inform the selection by NHS Supply Chain of a product including, but not limited to: clinical output requirements; design and ergonomics; human factors and intended use; and limitations on use and usability. Critically, these specifications should ideally be established in partnership across the healthcare system with clinicians, healthcare professionals and safety leads, while maximising best practice.
Response:
NHS Supply Chain is actively engaged in the development of essential specifications for clinically-led future procurement as part of its wider engagement with DHSC, MHRA, customers and users. We are committed to delivering on the need to maximise the quality of products supplied by NHS Supply Chain to meet clinical and patient need, mitigate the risk of harm and prevent future harm.
Fundamental to this is our understanding that regulatory requirements for market placement are merely a baseline for market access and that a much more holistic approach to product selection and product review is required, on which our proposals would deliver. We therefore fully support the HSIB recommendation and look forward to engaging further on this recommendation as our work is rolled out across a range of clinical specialities in the medium term.
Response received on 26 April 2021.