Written question asked by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 February 2025. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 30 January 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Wigs

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps are being taken by NHS England to ensure that supplies of wigs contracted by the NHS offer a full range, including those appropriate for people of colour.

Answer

During the process to renew what is now the current framework agreement, Wigs and Accessories, NHS Supply Chain conducted extensive engagement nationally to fully understand the provision and supply of wigs, and the requirements from both a National Health Service and supplier perspective. A significant challenge was that wig provision is predominantly conducted by the health and beauty industry, who were not familiar with public procurement law and healthcare framework tendering. NHS Supply Chain’s clinical and commercial teams worked closely with these industry groups to support their access to the wigs framework, to provide a wider range of products for NHS providers to access.

The current NHS Supply Chain framework will expire toward the end of 2025 and NHS Supply Chain’s teams are engaging with key stakeholders across the NHS to determine the future approach in this product area, with appropriateness for the wearer as one of the fundamental focus areas of consideration.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL4317
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Procurement Wigs
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Wigs

Secondary information

Librarians' tools