Maintaining high standards of cleanliness is critical in NHS healthcare settings, however, achieving these standards while managing budgets effectively can be a challenge.
Uniwipe’s innovative cleaning products offer a comprehensive solution by providing effective cleaning options that help the NHS manage costs without compromising on hygiene. We recently sat down with our UK Business Development Executive (NHS), Claire Atkin, to dive into this challenge further, and to discuss how Uniwipe’s products contribute to cost savings and cleaning efficiencies in the NHS.
Q1: How do Uniwipe’s products offer cost savings to the NHS?
“The most significant cost saving comes from the upfront cost per pack of our wipes. Our competitive pricing means some wipes come in at less than a penny per wipe. When you consider that the NHS uses billions of wipes each year, even a small saving per wipe translates into substantial overall savings.
“Beyond the cost of the wipes themselves, our products eliminate the need for gloves, which reduces additional expenses.
“Additionally, our packaging is designed with sustainability in mind. We use flexible flow wrap instead of plastic canisters, which reduces plastic usage by approximately 76%. This not only supports the NHS’s sustainability goals but also helps lower waste management costs.”
Q2: Are there specific examples where Uniwipe has helped the NHS cut costs?
“Certainly. One hospital trust recently switched to Uniwipe and realised substantial savings – an estimated £40,000 annually. They conducted a detailed cost analysis, comparing our wipes with the incumbent, and found that Uniwipe not only met its clinical needs to a high standard, but also offered significant financial benefits.
“Another example is an ambulance trust that adopted our Clinical 2-in-1 wipes (VJT85006, VJT85007) and is also finding good savings. These examples illustrate how transitioning to Uniwipe can lead to significant cost savings.”
Q3: How do Uniwipe’s Medical Device wipes compare price-wise?
“Uniwipe’s MD products stand out for their affordability. Although it can be tricky to get exact pricing comparisons, our in-house manufacturing and efficient production and transport processes enable us to offer more competitive prices.
“We’re challenging the misconception that premium polypropylene wipes with top-level testing are inherently expensive – Uniwipe provides the assurance of a quality brand, proper Medical Device and UKCA certification at excellent value.”
Q4: As Uniwipe’s products are manufactured in the UK, does this lead to significant cost savings compared to partnering with a supplier outside the UK?
“Yes, manufacturing in the UK provides significant cost benefits. It eliminates many of the additional costs associated with international shipping and potential supply chain disruptions. During COVID-19, for instance, shipping costs soared, and delays were common due to logistical challenges and increased fuel prices.
“By sourcing locally, we avoid these issues, ensuring faster delivery and more reliable supply chains. This helps in reducing overall costs for the NHS and enhances supply chain efficiency.”
Q5: Do you have insights into what savings the NHS can make by using products that do not require gloves?
“Using products that don’t require gloves presents a considerable cost advantage. The savings come from not having to invest in additional protective equipment, which simplifies logistics and reduces overall operational costs.
“The reduction in glove usage also means less waste and easier compliance with hygiene standards, further streamlining expenses and improving efficiency – inline with the NHS ‘Gloves Off’ campaign.”
Q6: How does Uniwipe’s sustainability focus align with NHS goals?
“Uniwipe’s sustainability efforts are closely aligned with NHS goals. By choosing recyclable flow wrap over plastic canisters, we cut down plastic use by about 76%, which supports the NHS’s drive to reduce its environmental footprint. This fits well with the NHS’s sustainability pillars, including the aim to lower carbon footprints and work towards net-zero targets.
“Moreover, we’re also engaged in carbon offsetting initiatives, such as planting trees through our partnership with MoreTrees to balance out emissions. This commitment to environmental responsibility further strengthens our partnership with the NHS, helping both parties advance toward a greener future.”
Uniwipe hospital-grade wipes offer significant cost-savings for the NHS
Uniwipe’s Medical Device cleaning and disinfection solutions are designed to deliver exceptional cost savings and efficiency to the NHS. Our competitive pricing, reduced need for gloves, and sustainable packaging are tailored to support the NHS’s budgetary and environmental goals. By providing high-quality, cost-effective products that align with NHS standards, Uniwipe contributes to both financial and operational improvements.
Our MD products are suitable for non-invasive medical devices, and can be found in the NHS Supply Chain Catalogue:
To explore our solutions, or to book a no-obligation discussion with our NHS Business Development Executive, Claire Atkin, visit: Uniwipe NHS Clinical Wipes.
