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Written question asked by Jess Brown-Fuller (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. It was answered by Preet Kaur Gill (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Incontinence: Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the (a) consistency and (b) quality of continence product procurement across NHS England.

Answer

The Department updated the guidance for the products listed under Part IX of the drug tariff last year to introduce a process in which existing products, including continence products, re-apply to remain listed and are assessed by an expert panel, including input from patient representatives. Continence products are due to be assessed in 2028.

National Health Service organisations are accountable for their own procurement decisions and are expected to procure in line with public procurement law, NHS framework mandates, and NHS Commercial Standards, ensuring transparent, compliant, value-for-money purchasing with strong governance and lifecycle management.

The Department has published Value Based Procurement Standard Guidance, in line with commitments in the 10-Year Health Plan and Life Sciences Sector Plan, to improve the consistency of procurement processes across the NHS in England. The guidance also provides NHS buyers with a methodology to assess the overall quality of continence products including factors such as efficiency, patient experience and outcomes, and supply chain resilience.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11919
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Health services Procurement Incontinence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk