A new framework agreement has been launched by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) to help NHS digital transformation goals and upskill the workforce.
Digital Health Advisory Services is the only framework agreement of its kind in the UK and will help the NHS bolster the digital, data and technology (DDaT) capabilities within its staff.
The framework has been developed in conjunction with NHS England’s Transformation Directorate and includes 40 providers of consultancy services to help kickstart, or accelerate, the delivery of IT projects, clinical informatics advisory, digital training, and temporary staff with DDaT skills.
The resource is free and accessible to GP practices, hospitals, health centres, emergency services, and Integrated Care Systems.
“…the purpose of our framework agreement is to help accelerate successful digital adoption…”
The four lots covered include:
- Specialist clinical and healthcare digital consulting
- Clinical and digital health delivery and augmentation
- Clinical data science and population health analytics
- Digital skills in healthcare
Half of the providers on the framework are small to medium enterprises and all specialise in digital healthcare.
The framework agreement is being positioned as an interim solution to a more long-term target, which is to expand the digital capacity and capability of the NHS workforce.
Senior category manager for digital workforce and IT transformation at NHS SBS, David Holbrook, said: “Workforce is one of the most cited challenges facing the NHS and the purpose of our framework agreement is to help accelerate successful digital adoption by providing immediate access to the tools, expertise and digital skills”.
To learn more about the NHS’s digital transformation journey, sign up to National Health Executive’s dedicated Digital Health Online Conference.
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