The NHS will revamp its approach to buying medical technology to help keep patients safe and cut waiting lists.

The approach represents a switch from ‘cheapest-first’ to ‘patient-first’. The NHS currently spends around £10 billion a year on NHS technology. It is hoped that the new approach will save billions of pounds by considering how well the pioneering equipment works for patients in the long-term.

The move is part of the Government’s drive to ensure better productivity across the NHS.

Health Minister Zubir Ahmed said: "Our Plan for Change is boosting NHS productivity and making sure every pound of taxpayer money works harder for patients than ever before.

"As our greatest minds develop new lifesaving technology and the technological revolution takes off, we are doing away with the sticking plaster spending mentality and ensuring long term patient outcomes are at the heart of every spending decision.

"We must invest to save, and by purchasing the most effective technology, not just the cheapest, we’ll improve patient care, cut waiting times, and drive long-term cost savings – as we build an NHS fit for the future."

Early trials of the value-based procurement guidance have already taken place, alongside engagement across the health system, including with industry and patient groups. 13 NHS Trusts will now pilot the new guidance, with rollout across the NHS expected by early 2026.

Andrew New, CEO of NHS Supply Chain said: "Through Value Based Procurement we are able to ensure that procurement decisions are based on more than just product cost, with patient outcomes, sustainability and the total cost across the whole patient pathway key considerations.

"As the national provider of procurement services, NHS Supply Chain is committed to working with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS Trusts to apply this approach through our contracts, with the first to go live via three frameworks as part of this pilot which will help us to learn and refine our approach for the future."