Owen Mumford chosen as sole supplier for safety pen needles in Wales

Owen Mumford has been appointed as the sole supplier for insulin safety pen needles by the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership – Procurement Services [NWSSP-PS] hosted by Velindre NHS Trust. 

Ateria SafeControl safety pen needles will now be used in all NHS Wales hospital environments, as well as by community nurses who also have access to the new procurement framework.

The device is also listed on the Drug Tariff, following its approval for use by the NHS Prescription Services.   

Paul Lee, Medical Device Training Manager at Swansea Bay University Health Board, said: “When the sharps regulation came into force, we found that devices were not ready – they were cumbersome and cost prohibitive. However, with developments in the market, we were able to address our continuing use of standard pen needles with the overall goal to further reduce NSIs. Safety has been the single most important driver. The trial demonstrated that Ateria SafeControl delivered the same functionality as passive safety pen needles … Going forward we predict there will be a reduction in needle stick injuries as a result of NHS Wales’ adoption of safety engineered devices.”  

Leanne Adam, Marketing Manager at Owen Mumford, added: “The cost of NSIs is considerable and far-reaching. NHS employees may need time off work, which puts pressures on teams and can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of the individual. There is a financial impact too where compensation has to be paid. A single needlestick injury is one injury too many. These should be avoided where possible.”  

Four warehouses in Wales hold stock of the Ateria SafeControl active safety pen needle and all trusts and boards are able to simply order centrally to enhance delivery and cost efficiencies. Further supporting the ‘Sustainability of Supply’ criteria within the tender, devices are manufactured in the UK, with delivery from Owen Mumford’s Oxfordshire-based factory at less than 150 miles. In addition, the green cap of the safety pen needle is also fully recyclable and cartons are FSC certified.