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Examining the current distribution system for ostomy and bladder control products initiated

Expert Chris Whitehouse, specializing in medtech policy and regulation, discusses a recent assessment concerning the provision of continence products.

Investigation initiated into the commercial supplies related to stoma and continence products
Investigation initiated into the commercial supplies related to stoma and continence products

Examining the current distribution system for ostomy and bladder control products initiated

In the healthcare sector, the status of the NHS England review on Stoma and Continence products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff remains ongoing, with no publicly available detailed information specific to the review's current status or issues related to nurse sponsorship or potential conflicts of interest as of August 2025.

However, related information can be summarized. The NHS continues to manage and provide guidance on stoma and continence products, such as transanal irrigation devices, with clear cost considerations and specialist involvement in prescription and review processes outlined in guidance updated in July 2025 [1]. Nursing roles such as Continence Champions are active in care settings to ensure appropriate product usage and education, emphasizing best practice and patient-centred care; these roles appear within care homes but do not mention sponsorship or conflicts of interest [2].

Policy documents support individualized assessment and use of continence products in schools, with local NHS involvement and specialist nurse support, but again no explicit review or controversy details are mentioned [3]. The NHS Drug Tariff, including Part IX relevant products, was updated as recently as August 2025, indicating ongoing pricing and product management but without reference to any review status or conflicts [5].

Recent concerns have arisen regarding the issuance of unsuitable continence products to patients, leading to adverse health outcomes and contributing to bed-blocking and spiraling costs for the NHS [4]. In response, a rapid roll-out of prescribing formularies for MedTech in the community is planned, aiming to address poor purchasing decisions and manage costs associated with unsuitable continence products [6].

NHS England is conducting a review of the supply processes and commercial models for Stoma and Continence products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights about Stoma and Continence products on the market [7]. The review scope includes products related to stoma and continence care provision on Part IX of the Drug Tariff, and the RFI is linked to a 2023 consultation on Part IX of the Drug Tariff, which included a call for evidence on nurse sponsorship to address potential conflicts of interest [8].

The RFI specifically addresses nurse sponsorship, support partnerships, and prescription management services [9]. The review aims to provide effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient services that cater to clinical needs, outcomes, and patient experience, ultimately addressing the issue of unsuitable continence products and their related costs, a matter of concern [10]. The NHS's financial losses due to poor purchasing decisions are a cause for concern, and the issue is a topic of discussion in "Medical Device Manufacturing Insights" [11].

For more detailed or updated information, it may be necessary to consult NHS England official communications or policy updates directly.

  1. The ongoing NHS England review on Stoma and Continence products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff involves examining nurse sponsorship and potential conflicts of interest, as evidenced by the 2023 consultation on Part IX of the Drug Tariff.
  2. In the healthcare and wellness sector, the NHS continues to provide guidance on stoma and continence products, including transanal irrigation devices, with a focus on cost-effective solutions and specialist input.
  3. Businesses operating in the medical device and technology industry, such as those manufacturing Stoma and Continence products, are a subject of interest in "Medical Device Manufacturing Insights" due to their role in the ongoing health and lifestyle issues surrounding unsuitable continence products.
  4. The review of the supply processes and commercial models for Stoma and Continence products by NHS England also encompasses therapies and treatments related to stoma and continence care, aiming to provide effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient services for patients.
  5. Education and self-development materials, particularly those focused on health and health-related business, may offer insights into the ongoing review of Stoma and Continence products and the associated financial losses suffered by the NHS.
  6. General news outlets may reportedly discuss the NHS's financial losses resulting from poor purchasing decisions and the ongoing efforts to address these issues, including the review of Stoma and Continence products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff.

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