The Access to Medicines and Medical Devices APPG recently held an evidence session on the implementation of value-based procurement for medical devices across the NHS.

Chaired by Lord Lansley, the session brought together representatives from DHSC, the medical technology sector, trade associations and patient organisations.

Participants supported the principle of moving NHS procurement beyond upfront acquisition price towards whole-life value, including clinical outcomes, patient experience, workforce impact and wider system savings.

However, the discussion also highlighted concerns about early implementation. Participants raised questions about the use of acquisition price thresholds, high price weightings, and whether some frameworks described as value-based are fully assessing clinical value, patient outcomes and wider system benefits.

The session identified several implementation concerns and opportunities for improvement, including clearer guidance on price thresholds, stronger pre-market engagement, greater procurement capability, better category expertise and more meaningful consideration of patient outcomes and equitable access.

Participants recognised that value-based procurement could improve outcomes, support innovation and deliver better long-term value for the NHS, but stressed that this will depend on consistent, transparent and credible implementation.

The APPG will continue to monitor progress as further NHS procurement frameworks are introduced.

Read the full roundtable report: Here