Vizient, Inc. announced a new agreement with Encompass Group, LLC for its Novaplus Enhanced Supply Program that will increase the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), enabling access to 40 million AAMI level 3 disposable isolation gowns annually to its member hospitals, states a Vizient, Inc. press release. The agreement also includes disposable bouffant caps and shoe covers for healthcare workers.
'We are pleased to work with Encompass Group to expand the supply of some of the most sought-after PPE in health care today. This contract for 40 million gowns through our Novaplus Enhanced Supply Program builds on a separate, earlier agreement with Encompass for more than 19 million disposable isolation gowns to be manufactured yet this year,” said David Gillan, senior vice president, sourcing operations for Vizient.
As a result of this agreement, Encompass expects to begin manufacturing in the U.S. in 2021. In the interim, they will continue to utilize manufacturing lines created in Mexico earlier this year in partnership with Vizient.
“Encompass is proud to partner with Vizient to expand our U.S. manufacturing footprint into PPE. Creating safe and comfortable environments for our caregivers and patient community is core to Encompass’ mission. Setting up domestic manufacturing in partnership with Vizient is a real honor,” said John Wood, chief executive officer for Encompass Group, LLC.
The Novaplus Enhanced Supply Program is part of Vizient’s larger strategy to outmaneuver uncertainty by creating a more resilient supply chain, built on transparency and trust between manufacturers and providers. The strategy includes increased visibility of raw materials and product origin, expanded domestic capacity and additional onshore inventory for member hospitals. Novaplus Enhanced Supply delivers additional inventory of essential products and medications that, if not available, could threaten a hospital’s ability to provide immediate and high-quality care.
“We expect to add other suppliers of essential medical supplies to the Novaplus Enhanced Supply Program in the coming weeks,” said Gillan.
