NHS Circular Innovations

​Research undertaken by SPL on behalf of Zero Waste Scotland and NHS Scotland has highlighted potential opportunities for applying circular procurement models to ICT, Furniture, Walking Aids, Small Electrical Medical Devices and Single Use Devices. SPL worked with sub-contract partners Eunomia (https://www.eunomia.co.uk/) and Ditto Sustainability (https://www.dittosustainability.ai/). 
 
In conjunction with suppliers the project determined the business case for transforming approaches, taking into account financial, environmental and social factors as well as critical considerations such as clinical effectiveness and safety.
 
There are undoubted challenges to adoption of circular approaches. These include ensuring that clinical concerns are fully addressed and compliance with regulations and guidance (such as MHRA guidance on reprocessed and remanufactured devices) is absolute. However, applying circular approaches has significant potential to deliver financial, environmental and social benefits. The work has highlighted the willingness of many suppliers to be part of this. Suppliers however need clarity in the NHS organisation’s objectives and timescale so that they can plan and adjust as necessary. They often need help to be able to do this.
 
Zero Waste Scotland will use the outcome of this work to develop follow on piloting and testing.
 
SPL is delighted to be involved in this transformative work. SPL has worked with healthcare organisations including Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England, NHS Trusts and Boards, NHS Supply Chain, procurement hubs for many years.