The time before a second order is placed will be of interest to...

The time before a second order is placed will be of interest to us all.

Indeed. Because if you take into account the order by this hospital for ₤200 worth of BTM (published 15/02/24), then this is the second order, less than 10 weeks following the first.

That first order was highlighted here by Uncle Fes
https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/the-clinicians-speak.6460688/page-734?post_id=72456552

It doesn’t seem to be the same order – different dates, a note on the earlier notice that the contract had already been awarded and different reference numbers.

If it is, in fact, a second order, that suggests that the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Thyne, is churning through ~ A$40,000 worth of BTM a week. Which sounds an awful lot!

However, a little digging on the Freeman Hospital turned up the following from August last year

Prominent trauma surgeons from Defence Medical Services and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine have collaborated to impart their expertise to medical staff in Ukraine.

Lieutenant Colonel James Baden, renowned for his specialisation in reconstructive surgery post-combat injuries, spearheaded the UK team that offered training to six Ukrainian medical experts.

The instructional sessions took place in Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary. Here, the participants had the opportunity to observe live surgical procedures conducted in an NHS theatre setting.

Perhaps these orders have a link to Ukraine?

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-military-surgeons-train-ukrainian-medical-personnel/

https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/news/local-nhs-rally-to-stand-in-solidarity-with-ukraine/