Protective and safety clothing

Description

The supply of disposable FFP3 masks during Covid-19. The use of FFP3 masks is critical in safeguarding the health and lives of the care professionals treating patients with Covid-19 amongst other respiratory conditions involving an aerosol generated procedure. Delays in procuring poses a risk to life and the likelihood of a significantly increased death toll. Since March 2020, the NHS has experienced severe shortages of PPE; similar shortfalls in PPE stocks were identified globally. There continues to be immense demand for FFP3 masks and a procurement following the usual timescales under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, including accelerated options, was impossible. A delay in engaging with the market by running a usual procurement process ran the risk of failing to acquire the necessary stock of PPE equipment and presenting a significant risk to life. Due to the urgency of the situation there was no time to run an accelerated procurement under the open, restricted or competitive procedures with negotiation that would allow LUHFT to secure delivery of products, particularly in light of the corresponding delays to timelines associated with securing supply of suitable FFP3 masks which had a high pass rate via the use of quantitative testing. A three quote process was still undertaken to demonstrate value for money as 3 x resellers made themselves known to obtain the product direct from manufacture, this three quote process demonstrated a cost avoidance of 35 % against the highest price received. The masks chosen for trial were made available to the Trust by a neighbouring organisation who had a notified a high pass rate, following a trial this was confirmed.