Proposal to list products in the surgical suction, chest and wound drainage; and obstetrics and gynaecology categories supplied by W M Bamford

What we’re proposing

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list a range of obstetrics and gynaecology products and surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products in Part III of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 September 2019 through a provisional agreement with W M Bamford and Co Limited (“Bamford”).

Consultation closes at 4pm on Monday, 8 July 2019 and feedback can be emailed to grace.kingston@pharmac.govt.nz.

What would the effect be?

From 1 September 2019, Bamford’s range of obstetrics and gynaecology products and surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products would be listed under the proposed national agreement (“Agreement”) that all DHBs may purchase under, subject to consultation and approval by PHARMAC’s Board or delegate.

The Agreement would not be for sole supply, with DHBs continuing to be able to purchase other suppliers’ brands of obstetrics and gynaecology products and surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products.

The Agreement would supersede any existing DHB contract with the supplier for the devices listed in the Schedule 1 of the Agreement.  Any device listed in a PHARMAC Agreement and purchased by a DHB would be at the price, terms and conditions stated in the Agreement, effective from the date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

PHARMAC estimates that the Bamford Agreement will be cost neutral for DHBs based on current usage of the obstetrics and gynaecology products, while the range of surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products are new for DHBs and may offer savings over other brands.

Who we think will be interested

• DHB Staff
  • Obstetricians and gynaecologists
  • Surgeons
  • Theatre and perioperative staff
  • Surgical, speciality units, gynaecology and general ward staff
  • Delivery suite staff
  • Midwives
  • Procurement Officers
• Suppliers and Wholesalers

About the medical devices

Surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products

Surgical interventions of any kind result in tissue damage and blood and other fluid loss. To manage this during the procedure itself, suction equipment is used to remove tissue particles and fluid to ensure the operating field is kept clean and clear.

Post-operatively fluid can accumulate within the wound causing tissue damage, infection, patient discomfort and delayed healing. To prevent this a drain can be inserted to allow fluid to be removed with minimal disruption of the wound site.

A drain is described as any material or equipment used to prevent the formation of a haematoma or to carry fluid or air from inside the body to the surface. Drains can be used with or without previous surgical intervention e.g. chest drains inserted at the bedside or placed in theatre during surgery. Drains can be classified as either open or closed systems.

Irrigation systems can be used to provide a steady flow of a solution across an open wound to provide wound hydration, to remove deep debris and to assist visualisation. It can be applied using a variety of techniques and 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. 

Why we’re proposing this

In 2018 PHARMAC issued a Requests for Proposals (“RFPs”) for:

• surgical suction, chest and wound drainage products; and
• obstetric and gynaecological 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 these are the latest proposals to arise from those processes. We intend to consult on further agreements with other suppliers in both categories over the next few months.

Details about our proposal

PHARMAC has entered into a provisional Agreement with Bamford for the supply of one surgical suction, chest and wound drainage product and 54 obstetrics and gynaecology products in the following ranges:

• 365 Healthcare
• Bamford
• Mermaid
• Beldico
• Vernacare

Pricing has been made available to appropriate DHB personnel.

To provide feedback

Send us an email: grace.kingston@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm, Monday 8 July 2019.

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.