NHS Launches Value-Based Procurement Pilot for Medical Tech
NHS England has initiated value-based procurement (VBP) pilot studies for medical technology, involving several leading manufacturers like Medtronic, Smith & Nephew, and Stryker. The move aims to prioritize long-term patient outcomes and whole-pathway value over lowest upfront price.
Thirteen NHS trusts are participating in the initial VBP pilots, which focus on areas such as cardiology and vascular devices, as well as AI applications in clinical settings. Successful adoption requires robust metrics, standardized procurement practices, and transparency in supplier claims.
Barts Health NHS Trust has already seen savings of around £103,000 annually by using an innovative mesh that reduced infection rates and readmissions. Similarly, University Hospitals of Leicester saved through increased use of remote-monitoring functions for cardiac devices. These results demonstrate the potential of VBP to improve patient outcomes and boost productivity while lowering long-term costs.
The NHS spends around 10 billion GBP annually on medical technology, historically favoring lower initial cost. The VBP pilots, expected to roll out broadly by early 2026, signal a shift towards investing in high-quality, value-driven medical technology. Health Minister Zubir Ahmed has framed this move as 'invest to save', emphasizing the importance of long-term patient outcomes and whole-pathway value.
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