The coagulation factor concentrates used in the treatment of patients with inherited bleeding disorders are expensive and it is recommended that discussions take place on a local basis between commissioners and providers to ensure that the purchase of these concentrates is carried out as economically as possible.

There are recurrent problems concerning the supply of coagulation factor concentrates and significant shortages of these products continue to be experienced. These shortages are often unpredictable. Contractual processes should therefore be flexible enough to address these potential supply problems. In particular, the use of a single supplier is not recommended.

It may be uneconomical for small Haemophilia Centres to purchase and stock a full range of blood products for a small number of patients. Under some circumstances therefore it may be financially advantageous for a Comprehensive Care Centre to purchase blood products on behalf of an affiliated Haemophilia Centre. This arrangement will depend upon local factors, and on the size of the Comprehensive Care Centre, since this form of collaborative purchasing arrangement is complex and difficult if the Comprehensive Care Centre has to relate to a large number of Haemophilia Centres.