A consultation has been launched on plans to ensure goods and services used in the NHS are not linked with modern slavery or human trafficking.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) launched the consultation today (21 November) to seek views on potential action to eradicate modern slavery in NHS supply chains.
This follows a government review which found that more than 21% of NHS suppliers were at high risk of involving modern slavery in their supply chains. The five highest risk products were found to be surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, uniforms and face masks.
The proposed measures would require public bodies procuring goods and services for the NHS to identify and mitigate risks of modern slavery by law. This would include NHS trusts, integrated care boards and local authorities.
‘The heinous evil of modern slavery’
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘The NHS is a public service built on compassion and equality, values which are completely antithetical to the heinous evil of modern slavery.
‘These new measures will ensure vital checks are made and public bodies act to stamp out the crimes of slavery and human trafficking. This government will ensure the NHS is a leader in the fight against modern slavery.’
The DHSC said that the NHS is the largest procurer in the country and encouraged its staff to report any incidences of human trafficking or slavery. It advised involving law enforcement in these circumstances and calling 999 if there is reason to believe someone is in immediate danger. The government also suggested specialist training to support workers to act as whistleblowers.
‘There is much more to do’
Jacqui Rock, chief commercial officer of NHS England, said: ‘Modern slavery is insidious and needs to be eradicated from the NHS supply chain.
‘While our procurement follows the government’s standard selection questionnaire, which addresses modern slavery risk, there is much more to do.
‘We have a responsibility to ensure a zero-tolerance policy to modern slavery – and the more stakeholders that respond to this consultation will help strengthen these measures and help us wipe out this crime in the NHS supply chain.’
The consultation will remain open until 6 February 2025. The government is seeking input from public bodies, suppliers, trade associations, interest groups, patients and the wider public.
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