Scope
Reference
Project_1679
Description
This market engagement exercise focused on sourcing a limb-warming solution designed to promote vein dilation in patients with Difficult Venous Access (DVA), supporting successful peripheral intravenous cannulation.
NHS Supply Chain have a mandate from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to drive the availability of innovative products to the NHS. NHS Supply Chain believe the product sourced by this contract (which is not covered by any of its current Framework Agreements) falls within this remit as a "disruptive" innovative product and has been identified to provide enhanced patient benefits specifically;
Patient:
Improves the ease and success rate of first-attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation, reducing the need for repeated attempts that can cause bruising, swelling, and discomfort. More serious complications from multiple cannulation attempts include hematoma formation, local tissue damage, increased infection risk, and reduced availability of future access sites-particularly for patients requiring long-term IV therapy. In severe cases, risks include thrombophlebitis, extravasation, and infiltration injuries, which may lead to blistering and tissue necrosis. Successful cannulation also helps prevent treatment delays and minimises patient distress and anxiety.
Staff:
Enhances staff experience by improving cannulation success and patient care, while reducing the need for escalation to on-call doctors, anaesthetists, or vascular access specialists and avoiding potential complications.
NHS Supply Chain intends to enter into a Framework Agreement with an identified supplier of these products (alongside the existing Intravenous Cannula and Associated Products Framework) using procedure Direct Award as defined in the Procurement Act 2023.
The Term of this Framework Agreement is anticipated to be 12 months. As part of its strategy, NHS Supply Chain anticipates engaging with suppliers of these products with a view to ultimately include this solution within the scope of the Framework for Intravenous Cannula and Associated products which is due to renew on 1st April 2027
For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding the estimated value indicated , NHSSC does not guarantee any level of purchase through the framework and advises applicants that the framework shall be established on a non-exclusive basis.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £1,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 June 2026 to 31 March 2027
- 9 months, 8 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33190000 - Miscellaneous medical devices and products
- 33194100 - Devices and instruments for infusion
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 September 2025
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
August 2025 - Innovative product submitted to NHS Supply Chain via the Innovation channels.
August 2025 - Customer research and clinical (including NIVAS) engagement activities aimed at establishing uniqueness of product.
September 2025 - Face to face meeting for innovative product review and demonstration.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
9 February 2026
Contracting authority
SUPPLY CHAIN COORDINATION LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLLH-1887-BMRL
Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road
London
SE1 8UG
United Kingdom
Email: liz.glover@supplychain.nhs.uk
Website: https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government