Agreement with W M Bamford & Co Limited for the Supply of Wound Care Products
PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with W M Bamford & Co Limited (“Bamfords”) for the supply of wound care products.
This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 16 May 2014 which can be found on PHARMAC’s website.
In summary, the effect of the decision is that:
- A range of wound care products will be listed in Section H, Part III, (‘Optional Pharmaceuticals’) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July 2014.
- DHB hospitals can purchase these items either directly from Bamfords or through a designated third party logistics provider under the national agreement.
- For the DHBs that currently use these products the national agreement will deliver savings.
Details of the decision
Following a Registration of Interest document issued in August 2013, PHARMAC has entered into an agreement with Bamfords for the supply of a selection of wound care products to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. This means that DHB hospitals may purchase these products under the national agreement at the new pricing.
The list of products is available on PHARMAC’s website in both a PDF document and a series of Excel spreadsheets.
There are estimated savings to DHBs that currently use these products of approximately $80,000 per annum nationally, based on current usage.
The agreement is not exclusive. DHBs can continue to purchase other brands of wound care products at their discretion.
Educational services will be provided by Bamfords to DHB personnel on appropriate use of its wound care products and will be arranged in a format and times as agreed with individual DHBs.
Feedback received
PHARMAC appreciates all of the feedback that it has received and acknowledges the time people took to respond. All consultation responses received by 6 June 2014 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes. Most responses were supportive of the proposal. The following issues were raised in relation to specific aspects of the proposal:
| Theme | Comment |
|---|---|
| The importance of epidural packs being complete kits containing the full equipment deemed to be required in such a pack was conveyed. | PHARMAC staff noted these comments. As the proposal is non-exclusive, DHBs are able to purchase other brands. |
| Clinicians noted their confidence in Bamfords range of wound care products and that the products support the needs of patients. Bamfords provide various specialised products, technology, support and education that has in the past lead to improved wound care management and better patient outcomes. | PHARMAC staff noted these comments. |
| Feedback noted Bamfords offer a competitively priced range of quality wound care products. | PHARMAC staff noted these comments. |
More information
If you have any questions about this decision you can email PHARMAC at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.