Middle East conflict supply surety update - 27 March

Fuel supply

We understand liquid fuel remains a concern for many health services. We are in regular contact with the Department of Health about fuel management for the health sector. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as appropriate.

Helium and medical gases

We have followed up with suppliers and found there are no immediate impacts for helium supply, despite the news of damage to the Qatar plant that produces 30 per cent of the world's helium. Our suppliers source from multiple sources globally. There are no issues currently with the supply of other medical gases.

TGA shortages working group

TGA has reached out to approximately 300 medical device suppliers to understand risks to supply, with no immediate concerns raised. They are working with sponsors to flag any anticipated supply issues and will advise us of any areas of concern. We will communicate any relevant information to health services.

Gloves

We have learned that one of our major glove suppliers has communicated with health services about managing release of glove quantities to ensure equitable supply across health sector. This is not a signal of supply constraint. It is a measure put in place to responsibly manage continuous flow of supply to all customers. There is currently sufficient supply of gloves with continuous replenishment.

Supplier risk assessment

We have continued to follow up with suppliers as part of our risk assessment activity. The feedback remains consistent, indicating that there is no immediate risk to supply. We remain in contact with our suppliers to monitor potential risks.

Stryker cyber incident

Stryker has returned to business as usual. Contact your local Stryker representative for any support you require.

HSV Logistics – network and distribution preparedness

Our Derrimut and Dandenong South distribution centres are operating as normal. At this stage, there is no change to delivery frequency or service levels. We will keep our Logistics customers informed if this situation changes.

Contract variation requests from suppliers

If you receive any supplier communication regarding contract variations (supply or pricing) in relation to the Middle East conflict – whether they are HSV contracts or not – please let us know as soon as possible by forwarding any correspondence to the HSV Helpdesk: helpdesk@healthsharevic.org.au. We would like visibility of all issues affecting the health sector to help us make sector-wide informed decisions.

Please note we will only be able to follow up on contract variation matters for HSV collective agreements:

• For HSV contracts, please ask suppliers to redirect their requests to HSV Helpdesk
• For non-HSV contracts please continue to work with your suppliers as required.

We have written to suppliers advising them that, as contract holders, HSV must be informed of issues including contract variations, supply shortages or any other issue impacting supply.

Supplier variation requests need to be supported by comprehensive and verifiable evidence clearly substantiating the request, including a detailed explanation of the methodology used to justify the variation.

Suppliers have been advised they must not implement or apply variations (including by invoicing additional charges to purchasing parties) unless written approval has been issued by HSV.

Next steps

We will continue to monitor developments with our suppliers and provide updates as the supply outlook changes.

If you require any support, please also contact Helpdesk.