06.08.14
NHS framework developed to reduce clinical data system buying costs
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has developed a framework to help trusts buy healthcare clinical information systems, which it claims will save them money in the long term.
The business support specialist has now issued an OJEU notice to gather supplier responses to the NHS-wide framework that has been created following close collaboration with the organisation’s provider clients to identify their future requirements.
The framework, which is due to be operational at the end of this year, has a potential framework value of £1.25bn over a six-year period, and will be open for any NHS trust to access when buying clinical data systems.
It is divided into six slots covering healthcare clinical information systems; theatre clinical systems; integrated emergency care clinical systems; child health systems; maternity systems and specialist electronic prescribing clinical systems.
Peter Akid, NHS SBS director of procurement, said: “The agreement is the result of months of collaboration with our clients to identify just what their needs will be for these complex and specialist systems in the future.
“This, combined with our procurement expertise has given us the confidence to know we can procure a national framework that nonetheless can still be tailored to meet the local needs of each trust.”
It is expected that by utilising the framework, NHS trusts will avoid having to go through the full OJEU process which can be expensive and take up to 12 months to complete.
Instead, NHS SBS said that trusts will be able to localise their requirements from the framework and hold mini-competitions which can be completed in a reduced timeframe and at a much-reduced cost.
Suppliers have until the 23 September to respond to NHS SBS. They can find out more by contacting Thomas Slater, NHS SBS assistant director provider procurement on 0161 212 2420 or email: [email protected].
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