NHS Supply Chain IMS Programme delivers major savings and patient safety improvements

NHS Supply Chain’s In-Trust Inventory Management Systems (IMS) programme has achieved significant milestones, with 19 NHS trusts now live across 83 locations. The programme uses barcode scanning technology to transform inventory management, supporting trusts in managing their stock to a high standard whilst advancing the adoption of GS1 standards and Scan4Safety principles across the NHS.

Key updates

The IMS programme has recorded impressive results since its pilot phase:

• £6.8 million saved across wastage reduction, reduced overstock, obsolescence and rationalisation (to November 2025)
• 700 clinical hours saved per trust annually, freeing up valuable time for patient care
• Average saving of £2.7 million per trust projected over 5 years
• 729-tonne carbon reduction reported by Northumbria NHS Trust within six months – nearly 1% of its annual procurement-related footprint

One trust has seen cancelled operations drop from several per month (due to lack of stock) to just one cancellation in seven months, whilst another has been able to return a full-time nurse from stock administration back to clinical duties.

The programme now spans 12 clinical specialities and over 30 theatres and laboratories, demonstrating the breadth of its impact across the NHS.

The barcode scanning capability is supporting key national priorities including the Medical Device Outcomes Registry (MDOR), enabling trusts to action product recalls in minutes rather than days, and feeding into the NHS Federated Data Platform. Following investment from NHS England, the programme aims to support all trusts on their IMS journeys over the next five years.

For full details on the programme’s achievements, benefits and how to get involved, visit the NHS Supply Chain IMS webpage.