National Assessment for the supply of blood glucose and ketone meters, testing strips, and lancets

This Assessment Process relates to the supply of blood glucose and ketone meters, testing strips, and associated consumables that are used to support the management of diabetes in primary care.

This assessment process seeks to support the delivery of the NHS Long-Term Plan for diabetes management through the following key objectives:

• a.Equitable access to the same products no matter where the patient lives;
• b.Minimum quality standards established in a fair and transparent way to better address patient needs;
• c.Recommendations aligned with NICE and the availability of CGM and intermittent monitors;
• d.Prescribing practices are joined up across primary and secondary care; and

In January 2023, NHSE undertook an assessment to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of meters, test strips and lancets. The assessment included:

• Accuracy of glucose readings
• Reliability and consistency of test results
• Ease of use for patients and healthcare professionals
• Compatibility with various blood glucose meters
• Cost-effectiveness and overall value for money
• Compliance with relevant regulatory standards

Following the assessment and the identification of the preferred blood glucose and ketone meters, testing strips and lancets, Commissioning Recommendations were published in April 2023.

NHSE has recently carried out the annual review and have decided to re-open this assessment.

New Suppliers wishing to be part of the recommendations

Suppliers wishing to participate in the assessment for an opportunity to be included in the updated Commissioning Recommendations are encouraged to monitor the NHS England procurement portal (Atamis) for further updates.

Suppliers who are part of the current recommendations

Suppliers who were successful on the first round of assessments and are listed on the commissioning recommendations need not apply for a full re-assessment, unless the specifications of their products have changed since the initial assessment.

New and Existing Suppliers will also have the opportunity to update their price. If they wish to do so, they will be required to provide evidence that they have submitted the change request to NHS Business Services Authority. Otherwise, the latest price on the drug tariff will be used in the assessment.

Documents can be accessed through the Atamis Portal http://health.atamis.co.uk/ Reference: C294473

Additional information:

To express interest and participate in the tender, please register and apply via Atamis e-sourcing portal https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome.

Should Tenderers have any queries, or having problems using the portal, they should contact Helpdesk at:

Phone: 0800 9956035

E-mail: support-health@atamis.co.uk