Proposal to list a range of single use instruments and VTE prevention devices supplied by BSN Medical Limited
What we are proposing
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of single use instruments and medical devices used in the prevention of venous thromboembolisms (VTE Prevention) on Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 March 2018 through a provisional agreement with BSN Medical Limited (BSN).
Consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, 2 February 2018 and feedback can be emailed to alyssa.currie@pharmac.govt.nz.
What would the effect be?
From 1 March 2018 BSN’s range of single use instruments and VTE Prevention products would fall under a proposed national agreement that all DHBs may purchase under. This listing would be conditional on the approval of PHARMAC’s Board or its delegate. This agreement would not be for sole supply, so DHBs would continue to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of single use instruments and VTE Prevention products.
This agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with BSN for the medical devices listed in Schedule 1 of the agreement. Any device listed in a PHARMAC agreement and purchased by a DHB Hospital would be at the price, terms and conditions stated in the agreement, effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
The financial impact of this agreement on DHBs is $19,000 savings per annum, based on current usage levels. This consists of $13,000 savings per annum for single use instruments and $6,000 savings per annum for VTE Prevention products.
DHBs would have access to educational services which would be tailored to suit the needs of the individual DHB Hospitals.
Who we think will be interested
- DHB Staff
- Medical device suppliers
- Wholesalers
About single use instruments and VTE prevention products
Single use instruments are designed to be used once and then disposed of or destroyed - these are also known as disposable instruments. Some single use instruments may be used in many hospital settings such as operating theatre, emergency departments, wards and clinics.
While volumes of single use instruments are growing, usage varies in each hospital with many using a combination of single use and reusable instruments.
PHARMAC has not undertaken any work to compare the use or cost effectiveness of single use instruments with reusable instruments, and this proposal does not require hospitals to switch from reusable instruments.
The risk of events related to VTE, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), increase following prolonged stay in a bed following surgery. VTE Prevention products include Graduated Compression Stockings, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression devices and Venous Foot Pump devices.
Why we’re proposing this
In 2016 PHARMAC issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for single use instruments and VTE Prevention products. The RFPs were for non-exclusive national agreements for listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
PHARMAC has been working with suppliers in order to seek provisional agreements and this proposal is the latest to arise from these processes. We intend to consult on proposed agreements with other suppliers over the next few months for both categories.
Details about our proposal
PHARMAC has entered into a provisional agreement with BSN for a range of single use instruments and VTE Prevention products. The full product ranges and pricing in this proposal has not been included in this consultation for brevity, however we are making it available to appropriate DHB personnel.
This proposal would result in Schedule listings for 8 single use instrument products and 21 VTE Prevention products. Brand ranges in the agreement include:
Single use instruments
Propax range
VTE Prevention
Comprinet Pro Graduated Compression Stockings
To provide feedback
Send us an email: alyssa.currie@pharmac.govt.nz by 5pm, Friday 2 February 2018.
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
Feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and we will consider any request to have information withheld in accordance with our obligations under the OIA. Anyone providing feedback, whether on their own account or on behalf of an organisation, and whether in a personal or professional capacity, should be aware that the content of their feedback and their identity may need to be disclosed in response to an OIA request.
We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do, and then only to the extent permissible under the OIA and other relevant laws and requirements. If you would like us to withhold any commercially sensitive, confidential proprietary, or personal information included in your submission, please clearly state this in your submission and identify the relevant sections of your submission that you would like it withheld. PHARMAC will give due consideration to any such request.