Direct sales from manufacturers to NHS trusts still dominate — that's the traditional way. But online sales (Amazon Business, Medisave) are the fastest‑growing channel. The UK disposable hospital supplies market research study shows that online sales are growing at nearly 20% CAGR, because small clinics, care homes, and even individual patients can buy gloves, masks, and dressings with a click.

What's the appeal? Price transparency, customer reviews, and doorstep delivery. The UK disposable hospital supplies market trends highlight that distributors remain a major channel, but their share is shrinking as buyers go direct or online.

But there's a dark side: counterfeit products. Fake surgical gloves that tear, fake N95 masks that don't filter, fake urinary catheters that cause infections. The MHRA has issued multiple warnings. That's why the NHS still prefers direct contracts with certified suppliers.

The bottom line: for personal use, online is fine — just check that the seller is registered and the product has a CE mark or UKCA mark. For clinical use, stick with trusted suppliers. Your patients deserve safety, not savings.