Proposal to list medical devices supplied by Jackson Allison Medical & Surgical Limited

We propose to list medical devices supplied by Jackson Allison in the following categories:

• obstetrics and gynaecology; and
• rehabilitation equipment, patient positioning products and supports.

Consultation closes at 4pm Wednesday 30 September 2020 and feedback can be emailed to terry.odonnell@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 November, Jackson Allison’s range of medical devices in the categories listed above would be listed under a proposed national agreement for all DHB hospitals to purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC’s Board or delegate (the “Agreement”).

The Agreement would not be for sole supply. DHBs would be able to continue to purchase other suppliers’ brands of Obstetrics and Gynaecology medical devices, and Rehabilitation Products.

The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contracts with Jackson Allison for the medical devices included in the Agreement. Any medical devices listed in the Agreement, and purchased by a DHB, would be at the terms and conditions, including price, stated in the Agreement, effective from the date of the listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

As part of the Agreement, Jackson Allison would provide appropriate training and education services, that would be tailored to the individual needs of the DHBs, in formats and at times as required by the DHBs.

Pricing for the medical devices in the Agreement, subject to any prior termination of the Agreement, would not be increased without prior consultation and approval by PHARMAC.

Who we think will be interested

• Suppliers and Wholesalers
• DHB staff:
  • Clinical engineers and maintenance services
  • DHB procurement and supply chain
  • Geriatricians
  • Perioperative staff
  • Theatre staff
  • Surgical, gynaecology and general ward staff
  • Central sterile services personnel
  • Delivery suite staff
  • Midwives
  • Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  • Neurologists and Neurosurgeons
  • Nurses
  • Occupational therapists
  • Orthopaedic surgeons
  • Orthotists
  • Paediatricians
  • Physiotherapists
  • Podiatrists
  • Rehabilitation physicians (including spinal units)
  • Speech-language therapists

About the medical devices

Obstetrics and gynaecology products

This category includes all equipment and consumables used in the obstetrics and gynaecology specialities. Products used in delivery suites and by midwives on the wards are included. Gynaecology is the specialty that treats conditions related to female reproductive organs. A small number of devices related to fertility and sterility may be listed as some limited assisted reproduction services are provided by a small number of DHB Hospitals. However, most funded services are provided by private clinics are therefore out of scope for PHARMAC. 

Rehabilitation equipment

Rehabilitation is the process of regaining strength or relearning skills after a serious injury, illness or surgery. Rehabilitation crosses all age groups, though the type, level and goals of rehabilitation will differ depending on the individual needs. Rehabilitation often focuses on:

• physical therapy to help with strength, mobility and fitness;
• occupational therapy to help with daily activities;
• speech-language therapy to help with speaking, understanding, reading, writing and swallowing;
• cognitive therapy (following head injury); and
• treatment of pain.

Why we’re proposing this

In 2018 PHARMAC issued requests for proposals (RFPs) for:

• supply of obstetrics and gynaecology products; and
• supply of rehabilitation equipment, patient positioning products and supports.

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 is the latest proposal to arise from those processes. We intend to consult on further provisional agreements with other suppliers in each of the categories over the coming months.

Details about our proposal

The proposal would result in listing 91 medical devices of the following brands, and number of items in each category, being listed:

A full product list with pricing has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel. 

To provide feedback

Send us an email:   terry.odonnell@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Wednesday 30 September 2020.

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.