Yesterday we were made aware of a
likely shortage of reagent supplied by Roche Diagnostics Ltd caused by issues
in their supply chain. Other providers of reagent and associated equipment are
unaffected as is the PCR coronavirus testing system.
Roche Diagnostics Ltd is a major
supplier of reagent to the NHS in the UK. We have been assured that the issues
relate to logistics challenges within the supply chain as opposed to shortage
of the product. But clearly these logistics issues still have the potential to
cause significant disruption to patient services. NHS pathology laboratories
have therefore been instructed to enact their business continuity plans and
work with their Pathology Network and other NHS organisations locally to:
- Preserve the remaining
Roche reagent stocks for priority areas such as theatres delivering urgent
and emergency care; and
- Arrange for laboratories
using products from alternative suppliers to support those using Roche
products.
Our overall aim is to reduce the
impact on patient services and cancellation of tests and procedures should only
be done as a last resort.
Meanwhile, the NHS and the
Department for Health and Social Care have been working closely with Roche to
identify how best to prioritise the stock that can be moved through the supply
chain now to reduce the impact on patient services. It is therefore essential
that the NHS centrally continues to have an accurate picture of where current
stocks and problem areas exist. This process is being managed through the
Pathology Incident Director network and we thank you in advance for your
cooperation with data requests.
Initial estimates from Roche
Diagnostics Ltd were that issues with the supply chain were likely to last
between 2 and 3 weeks. However, progress on this has been made overnight and we
now believe that Roche has identified significant extra stock which will reduce
the likely impact on the NHS.
For urgent Roche supply
shortages which cannot be rectified using mutual aid from other NHS
organisations, please continue to direct your requests to england.covid-testing@nhs.net
marked ‘Roche Supply’ where they can be dealt with promptly.
Please note there is no downloadable attachment with this alert.