NHS Supply Chain has announced that it has signed a lease for a new purpose-built regional distribution centre in Widnes.

The new site will be known as NHS Supply Chain Gorsey Point and is set to replace the existing Runcorn site operated by NHS Supply Chain’s logistics provider, Unipart Logistics after its lease expires at the end of March 2023.

With over 60,000 pallet spaces, the new RDC will provide enhanced supply chain resilience as it has the ability to hold increased levels of stock. This will enable more effective responses to changes and peaks in demand. The site is being designed to meet the future needs of the NHS Supply Chain network and the increased capacity will be able to accommodate the growth targets and a broader range of products, leading to efficiencies elsewhere within the network. The increased footprint is equivalent to six professional sized football pitches.

Chris Holmes, Supply Chain Director at NHS Supply Chain, said: “This is an exciting time for NHS Supply Chain as this is a significant step within our transformation activity to increase capacity in our network. This investment will ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to deliver the future needs of patients, and that the network is invested in to deliver the best possible service to the NHS.”

NHS Supply Chain manages the sourcing, delivery and supply of healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.

Managing more than eight million orders per year, across 94,000 order points and under 17,500 locations, NHS Supply Chain delivers over 28 million lines of picked goods to the NHS annually and its systems consolidate orders from over 930 suppliers, saving trusts time and money in removing duplication of overlapping contracts.