The Ultimate GP Surgery Checklist for Stocking Essential Consumables

Introduction

A well-stocked GP surgery is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. Running out of critical supplies can disrupt operations, delay treatments, and create unnecessary stress for healthcare professionals. On the other hand, overstocking leads to wasted resources and increased costs.

Maintaining an optimised inventory requires a structured approach to procurement and stock management. This checklist provides a comprehensive guide to ensure GP practices have all the essential consumables they need while preventing shortages and excess waste.

1. Infection Control Supplies

Infection prevention is a top priority in any medical setting. The following items should always be in stock:

• Disposable gloves (nitrile, latex, or vinyl)
• Face masks and shields
• Disposable aprons and gowns
• Hand sanitiser (alcohol-based)
• Surface disinfectant wipes and sprays
• Clinical waste bags and bins

2. Diagnostic Consumables

Accurate diagnostics rely on having the right equipment and consumables readily available. Ensure your practice stocks:

• Urinalysis test strips
• Blood glucose test strips
• Disposable thermometers and covers
• Blood pressure cuffs and spare parts
• Stethoscope hygiene covers
• Specimen collection bottles and tubes

3. Wound Care and Dressing Supplies

GP surgeries frequently handle wound care, requiring a variety of dressings and bandages:

• Sterile and non-sterile dressings
• Adhesive wound plasters
• Bandages and compression wraps
• Antiseptic creams and solutions
• Sutures and wound closure strips
• Disposable scissors and tweezers

4. Injection and Vaccination Equipment

Safe and efficient administration of vaccinations and injections requires:

• Syringes and needles of various sizes
• Alcohol swabs for skin preparation
• Sharps disposal bins
• Adrenaline auto-injectors (for emergency use)
• Vaccine storage supplies (cool packs and temperature monitors)

5. First Aid and Emergency Equipment

GP practices must be prepared for urgent medical situations with:

• First aid kits (fully stocked)
• Defibrillator pads and spare batteries
• Oxygen masks and tubing
• Eye wash stations and sterile saline
• Burn dressings and cooling gels

6. Examination Room Essentials

Keeping examination rooms fully stocked ensures smooth patient consultations:

• Examination couch rolls
• Disposable paper towels
• Lubricating gel for examinations
• Cotton wool and gauze swabs
• Tongue depressors and ear speculums

7. Office and Administrative Supplies

Beyond clinical needs, GP practices must manage administrative stock to ensure efficient workflow:

• Prescription pads and secure printing paper
• Patient consent forms and medical history sheets
• Label printers and barcode scanners
• Appointment cards and reminder slips

8. Personal Protective Equipment for Staff

Ensuring staff safety is critical, so maintaining a consistent stock of PPE is essential:

• Protective eyewear
• Long-sleeved gowns for high-risk procedures
• FFP2 and FFP3 respirator masks
• Disposable shoe covers

9. Waste Disposal and Cleaning Supplies

Proper waste management and hygiene are crucial for infection control:

• General and clinical waste bins
• Sharps disposal containers
• Biohazard disposal bags
• Cleaning detergents and sterilisation products

10. AI-Powered Inventory Management

Rather than manually tracking supply levels, GP surgeries can improve efficiency with AI-driven procurement systems. AI-based solutions can:

• Automatically reorder stock when levels are low
• Track supplier pricing for cost optimisation
• Reduce waste by monitoring expiration dates
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations

Conclusion

Keeping a GP surgery stocked with essential consumables requires a proactive and structured approach. Regular inventory checks, automated ordering systems, and supplier management can prevent shortages while reducing unnecessary costs.

For a seamless, AI-powered procurement solution, contact Medulla Supplies today to streamline your stock management and ensure your practice is always fully equipped.