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Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour) on Monday, 15 September 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 September 2025. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS Trusts: Procurement

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what support they will provide to NHS trusts in rolling out value-based procurement to ensure that patient outcomes such as dignity and quality of life are prioritised alongside value for money as assessed in the context of reductions in whole system costs.

Answer

The Department has been working in partnership with NHS England and the NHS Supply Chain to develop national Value Based Procurement (VBP) Standard Guidance which will be published in early 2026. The guidance shifts the procurement focus from upfront cost to how a product can best deliver improved patient outcomes and value.

The Department is conducting live pilots to test the draft standard guidance, with National Health Service trusts and integrated care boards, from September to December 2025. Insights from the pilots will be used to refine the guidance and implementation plans ahead of final publication, including the support needed for NHS trusts to adopt the guidance.

Under the 10-Year Health Plan, those living with dementia will benefit from improved care planning and better services. Supporting this, the VBP Standard Guidance will enable the procurement of the most effective products that improve patient experience and outcomes, including for those living with dementia and requiring absorbent incontinence products, as well as improve NHS efficiency.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL10538
Session
2024-26
Related items
NHS Trusts: Procurement
Monday, 20 July 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Procurement NHS trusts
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk