Hosted by the East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub, the forum provided a platform for procurement professionals, clinicians and NHS Supply Chain colleagues to exchange knowledge, discuss common challenges and identify opportunities for greater collaboration across the region.
Driving standardisation through procedure packs
One of the key updates came from Ellie Addison, who provided an overview of the ongoing national procedure packs programme.
The programme aims to increase the use of standardised procedure packs, with a long-term ambition to develop nationally agreed packs that contain around 80% of the products required for specific procedures. By combining sales data, local custom pack information and clinical evidence, the programme seeks to support evidence-led design, improved quality and reduced variation across the NHS.
Ellie explained that future framework arrangements are being designed with greater flexibility, enabling packs to evolve in line with changes in clinical practice and national guidance. The approach aims to support both standardisation and efficiency while ensuring products continue to meet clinical needs.
Sharing learning from regional implementation projects
The forum also heard an update on the Norfolk and Waveney sutures project, which is supporting the transition from existing products to alternative sutures through a structured implementation programme.
Attendees discussed the importance of supporting clinical engagement and sharing lessons learned across organisations to accelerate the adoption of best practice.
The session highlighted how collaborative approaches can help healthcare systems reduce unwarranted variation while maintaining clinical confidence in procurement decisions.
Exploring value-based procurement
A presentation from Aneta White focused on value-based procurement and the use of surgical mesh products.
Discussions explored how organisations can move beyond unit cost when assessing products, taking account of wider clinical, operational and patient outcomes.
A particularly valuable part of the conversation centred on implementation challenges, including reimbursement processes and securing organisational support for innovation. Participants shared experiences from their own organisations and highlighted the need for robust business cases that clearly demonstrate system-wide benefits.
The discussion reinforced the importance of working closely with finance, procurement and clinical teams to ensure innovative products can deliver their intended impact.
Regional opportunities and collaboration
The second half of the forum featured NHS Supply Chain’s Category Relationship Management team, who presented a range of regional opportunities and encouraged feedback on future areas of focus.
The session prompted a broader discussion about knowledge sharing across integrated care systems (ICSs). Attendees expressed support for greater visibility of regional work plans, recognising the benefits of understanding what neighbouring organisations are delivering and learning from projects already underway.
The conversation highlighted one of the forum’s greatest strengths: its ability to connect colleagues facing similar challenges and create opportunities to share experience, evidence and practical solutions.
Looking ahead
Throughout the meeting, a consistent theme emerged around collaboration. Whether discussing standardised procedure packs, value-based procurement approaches or regional implementation opportunities, attendees recognised the value of working together to solve common challenges and maximise benefits across the NHS.
By bringing procurement, clinical and supply chain expertise together, the Clinical Procurement Forum continues to support informed decision-making, knowledge sharing and innovation across the region.
The next Clinical Procurement Forum will take place on 10 December 2026, with further presentations and regional updates already being planned.
Find out more about the Clinical Procurement Forum and the Hub’s clinical engagement activities by contacting our team: [email protected]