Towards circular, net zero carbon walking aids: NHS Supply Chain consultation regarding the supply and management of environmentally sustainable walking aids

Description

The NHS is committed in its drive to zero net carbon and decarbonisation of its supply chain, and walking aids have been identified as a carbon intensive product where change is needed to move towards circular and lower carbon solutions. This market dialogue is being launched to inform the supply-chain of this changing demand and begin a conversation and exchange on the steps that could be taken on the part of suppliers and the NHS to: Reduce the carbon intensity of walking aids across their life cycle, and Facilitate a circular model of supply and reuse. We believe that the supply chain has the information, insights and creativity to address the challenges outlined. We are open to all ideas that contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of walking aids. For example, in design, manufacture, nature of supply, new or alternative products and services, and distribution. As part of this two-way dialogue, we would also like to raise for discussion resilience of supply in the light of global market conditions and the scope for added value in product supply and life cycle management. The results of this consultation will be used to inform the specification for walking aids in the new NHS Supply Chain framework. Questions and comments can be submitted in advance to: Manish.Patel@supplychain.nhs.uk We welcome input and participation from existing suppliers and more widely across the supply chain. Lot 1: The NHS purchases a large number of walking aids every year, i.e. crutches, walking sticks, Zimmer frames, rollators. The majority (65%) of these are purchased by individual trusts and other healthcare providers via the NHS Supply Chain Aids for Daily Living procurement framework. This procurement framework concludes at the end of October 2023 and will be retendered in the autumn of this year. NHS Supply Chain is taking the end of this framework as an opportunity to review our approach to the supply and management of walking aids in the light of the NHS commitment to achieve a net-zero emissions by 2040 and net-zero emissions from the supply chain by 2045.