A new online
platform to order personal protective equipment (PPE) in
England has been launched.
The new system builds on user feedback to improve the experience
of those using the site.
There is an ongoing migration period from the previous system to
the new platform, and from April 4 2022, all customers will be
automatically redirected to the new PPE Portal from the previous
site. The new platform will be managed by NHS Supply Chain.
During the soft launch of the new portal, the Department carried
out a survey, and received 446 responses. A total of 96% of
respondents stated they were either “very satisfied” (76%) or
“satisfied” (20%) with the new website. Also, 97% stated they
were either “very confident” (85%) or “confident” (12%) when
using the new platform.
The PPE Portal will serve a range of health, care and public
sector providers including GPs, adult social care, dentists,
orthodontists, community pharmacies, optometrists, children’s
social care providers, drug and alcohol services, other
government departments, local authorities, independent sector
providers who carry out NHS work, and more. This will cover
millions of staff, patients, clients and service users, in
England.
Last month, it was announced that following a public
consultation, NHS trusts, primary care and adult social care
providers will continue to receive COVID-19 PPE free of charge
until 31 March 2023 or until infection prevention and control
(IPC) guidance is withdrawn or significantly amended. This is to
ensure staff and their patients are protected as we learn to live
with COVID-19.
The new platform cements the Department’s commitment to
continuous improvement of this critical service, including
considerations around product offerings and who is eligible to
use it.
Some of the key benefits of the new platform are a more
user-friendly site that makes it easier to place orders, view
order limits and track deliveries, and, where needed, the
capability for responding to and mitigating against evolving
situations and potential future health crises.
Eligible users have been emailed about their transfer to the new
platform and communication will continue over the coming weeks.
