Complete Medical Supplies Checklist for UK Care Homes (2026 Guide)

Running a care home in the UK means managing a complex and ever-changing list of medical supplies — from daily PPE to specialist wound care products. This checklist is designed for care home managers and procurement leads who need a reliable, compliance-aware framework for keeping their facility stocked and CQC-ready.

Whether you're setting up a new facility or auditing your current stock, use this guide as a practical reference point updated for 2026 UK standards.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is the foundation of infection control in any care setting. UK care homes must maintain adequate stock of the following at all times:

  • Disposable gloves — nitrile or vinyl, powder-free, in multiple sizes
  • Fluid-resistant surgical masks — Type IIR minimum for clinical contact
  • Aprons — disposable, single-use polythene
  • Eye protection — visors or goggles for aerosol-generating procedures
  • Coveralls / gowns — for isolation or outbreak scenarios

All PPE should carry UKCA or CE marking and meet relevant EN standards (e.g. EN 455 for gloves, EN 14683 for masks).

➜ Browse our PPE collection and disposable gloves.

2. Infection Control & Hygiene

Infection prevention is a CQC requirement and a core operational priority. Stock levels should never fall below a 4-week buffer.

  • Hand sanitiser — alcohol-based (minimum 70% ethanol), wall-mounted dispensers and portable
  • Surface disinfectants — chlorine-based or alcohol wipes for clinical surfaces
  • Hand soap — antibacterial, suitable for frequent use
  • Clinical waste bags — yellow (infectious), tiger-stripe (offensive), black (domestic)
  • Sharps containers — UN-approved, correct capacity for your setting

➜ See our infection control range and hand hygiene products.

3. Wound Care Supplies

Care homes frequently manage residents with chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, and post-surgical sites. A well-stocked wound care kit should include:

  • Non-adherent dressings (e.g. Mepitel, Adaptic equivalents)
  • Foam dressings for pressure ulcer management
  • Hydrocolloid dressings
  • Sterile gauze swabs and wound packs
  • Bandages — cohesive, crepe, and tubular
  • Wound closure strips and skin staple removers
  • Sterile gloves for dressing changes

➜ Browse our wound care products.

4. Diagnostics & Monitoring

Routine monitoring is essential for resident safety and regulatory compliance:

  • Pulse oximeters — for SpO₂ and pulse rate monitoring
  • Blood pressure monitors — upper arm, validated for clinical use
  • Thermometers — non-contact or tympanic, with probe covers
  • Blood glucose meters — with lancets and test strips
  • Urinalysis strips — for UTI screening

➜ See our diagnostics range.

5. Continence & Personal Care

  • Incontinence pads and pull-ups (range of absorbency levels)
  • Bed protection sheets / chair pads
  • Barrier creams and skin wipes
  • Catheter care supplies

6. Procurement Tips for Care Home Managers

  • Set par levels — define minimum stock quantities for each category and reorder before hitting them
  • Consolidate suppliers — fewer suppliers means simpler invoicing and better volume pricing
  • Check UKCA/CE compliance — especially for PPE and medical devices; non-compliant products create CQC risk
  • Plan for seasonal demand — flu season and winter outbreaks increase PPE and infection control consumption significantly
  • Request bulk pricing — most medical suppliers (including Medvana) offer volume discounts for care homes

Frequently Asked Questions

What PPE is legally required in UK care homes?

UK care homes must provide appropriate PPE under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. This includes disposable gloves, aprons, fluid-resistant masks (Type IIR minimum), and eye protection where there is a risk of splashing. All PPE must carry UKCA or CE marking and meet relevant EN standards.

How much stock should a care home keep on hand?

A minimum 4-week rolling buffer is recommended for critical supplies such as PPE, hand sanitiser, and infection control products. During outbreak periods or supply chain disruptions, a 6–8 week buffer is advisable. Review par levels quarterly and adjust based on resident numbers and seasonal demand.

What is the difference between UKCA and CE marking for medical supplies?

UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the UK's post-Brexit equivalent of CE marking and is required for products placed on the Great Britain market. CE marking is still accepted in Great Britain until 31 December 2027 under transitional arrangements. Products sold in Northern Ireland must still carry CE marking. Always verify which marking applies to your specific products and procurement region.

Can care homes buy medical supplies in bulk from Medvana?

Yes. Medvana supplies care homes, NHS facilities, and private clinics across the UK with bulk orders of PPE, infection control products, wound care supplies, and diagnostics. Contact us for volume pricing or to set up a trade account.

Reviewed by: Medvana Procurement Team  |  Last updated: May 2026  |  Standards referenced: EN 455, EN 14683, UKCA Regulations 2021, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, CQC Fundamental Standards

Back to blog