NHS Supply Chain announces new North-West regional distribution centre

NHS Supply Chain has signed a lease for a new purpose-built regional distribution centre (RDC) 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.

“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,” said Chris Holmes, Supply Chain Director for NHS Supply Chain. “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.”

The new 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.

With more than 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.

“This new site will support us to continually improve the service for NHS organisations,” added Claire Salmon, Unipart Director for NHS Supply Chain. “We are committed to leveraging the strength of our people and operations to deliver health sustainably. The new site at Gorsey Point is a fit for purpose building with BREEAM certification and facilities in line with the award-winning standards of Suffolk Park.”

The Gorsey Point site in Widnes is only six miles away from the current site so we are retaining the valuable experience and expertise of colleagues.