PME Thermal Vein Access Device

This market engagement exercise focused on sourcing a limb-warming solution designed to promote vein dilation in patients with Difficult Venous Access (DVA), supporting successful peripheral intravenous cannulation. NHS Supply Chain have a mandate from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to drive the availability of innovative products to the NHS.

NHS Supply Chain believe the product sourced by this contract (which is not covered by any of its current Framework Agreements) falls within this remit as a "disruptive" innovative product and has been identified to provide enhanced patient benefits specifically; Patient: Improves the ease and success rate of first-attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation, reducing the need for repeated attempts that can cause bruising, swelling, and discomfort. More serious complications from multiple cannulation attempts include hematoma formation, local tissue damage, increased infection risk, and reduced availability of future access sites—particularly for patients requiring long-term IV therapy.

In severe cases, risks include thrombophlebitis, extravasation, and infiltration injuries, which may lead to blistering and tissue necrosis. Successful cannulation also helps prevent treatment delays and minimises patient distress and anxiety.

Staff: Enhances staff experience by improving cannulation success and patient care, while reducing the need for escalation to on-call doctors, anaesthetists, or vascular access specialists and avoiding potential complications. NHS Supply Chain intends to enter into a Framework Agreement with an identified supplier of these products (alongside the existing Intravenous Cannula and Associated Products Framework) using procedure Direct Award as defined in the Procurement Act 2023.

The Term of this Framework Agreement is anticipated to be 12 months. As part of its strategy, NHS Supply Chain anticipates engaging with suppliers of these products with a view to ultimately include this solution within the scope of the Framework for Intravenous Cannula and Associated products which is due to renew on 1st April 2027 For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding the estimated value indicated , NHSSC does not guarantee any level of purchase through the framework and advises applicants that the framework shall be established on a non-exclusive basis.