Successful product evaluations of the PS laparoscopic and surgical stapling portfolios resulted in significant cost savings for an NHS Trust in the south-east.
Purple Surgical helped an NHS Trust in the South East save more than £40,000 by reviewing and consolidating its laparoscopic and surgical stapling products.
Following successful clinical product evaluations, the Trust introduced products from the Purple Surgical portfolio. The change reduced costs and helped the procurement team reduce unnecessary product variation.
Identifying Cost Savings for NHS Procurement
Our team began by reviewing the laparoscopic and surgical stapling instruments and devices used across the Trust.
We then prepared a proposal for the Head of Procurement. This identified opportunities to consolidate product supply and reduce costs without compromising clinical requirements.
Purple Surgical presented products from our Laparoscopic, Operating Theatre and Surgical Stapling portfolios. A detailed price and usage analysis showed that consolidating selected products with Purple Surgical could generate significant savings for the Trust.
However, cost formed only one part of the decision. The products also needed to meet the requirements of the consultants and theatre teams using them.
Clinical Evaluations of Laparoscopic and Surgical Products
Consultants and theatre staff initially trialled the proposed Purple Surgical products. Following positive initial feedback, the Trust approved more extensive clinical evaluations.
Our team attended every procedure during the evaluation process. This allowed us to gather feedback directly from surgeons and theatre staff. It also helped us ensure each product performed to the expected standard.
This hands-on approach gave both the clinical and procurement teams the opportunity to assess product performance before making wider changes.
Resolving Product Challenges in the Operating Theatre
The clinical evaluations also identified opportunities to address specific challenges experienced by surgical teams.
Consultants had raised concerns about the tip of their existing Hasson balloon obturator, which they felt was too sharp. Introducing the Purple Surgical Essential Hasson Trocar addressed this concern and provided an alternative for abdominal access.
The team also evaluated our bipolar forceps. Clinicians found them particularly useful for haemostasis during gynaecological procedures when used alongside the Trust’s existing Lotus system.
Purple Surgical’s surgical stapling devices provided another opportunity to reduce expenditure. Our devices include reload units, while the Trust previously purchased these separately with its existing stapling products. This helped generate further cost savings.
Reducing Costs Through Surgical Product Consolidation
Following the clinical evaluations, the Trust switched selected laparoscopic and surgical stapling instruments and devices to Purple Surgical.
The change delivered a cost saving of more than £40,000. It also helped the Trust reduce unnecessary product variation across its surgical portfolio.
Product consolidation can simplify procurement and help healthcare providers manage inventory more effectively. It can also support greater consistency for theatre teams by reducing the number of different products used for similar requirements.
For this NHS Trust, the project demonstrated how procurement and clinical teams can work together to identify savings while maintaining a strong focus on product performance.
Supporting NHS Procurement Beyond the Initial Evaluation
Our work with the Trust continued after the successful product evaluations.
We introduced weekly reporting, worked closely with key opinion leaders and provided ongoing support to the clinical procurement team. This approach helped build confidence in the new products and gave the Trust greater visibility throughout implementation.
The success of the project has also created opportunities to explore potential savings across other areas of the Trust’s surgical portfolio.
Purple Surgical continues to work closely with NHS procurement teams, surgeons and theatre professionals to identify opportunities for product consolidation, standardisation and cost efficiency.
If you are reviewing your current laparoscopic, operating theatre or surgical stapling portfolio, contact the Purple Surgical team to discuss your requirements and explore potential opportunities for your Trust.