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Corporate services provider, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched three new soft facilities management (FM) procurement solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, save costs and ensure high quality environments for NHS patients, staff and visitors.
Together, the new framework agreements for linen and laundry, grounds maintenance and security services, with a combined value of £375m – provide NHS trusts and other public organisations with a compliant and cost-effective way to source solutions that support the day-to-day running, upkeep and caretaking of facilities across their estates.
The launches follow the government’s Autumn 2024 budget which highlighted the importance of investments in NHS infrastructure and patient care and announced a £1bn boost to NHS maintenance. They also come a month after NHS England’s recently released figures putting the total costs of running the NHS estate at £13.6bn, cleaning costs at £1.5bn and total energy use at 11.1 billion kWh.
Nick Verburg, Head of Category Management at NHS SBS commented:
“The framework agreements provide essential services that support clean, safe and functional environments, aligning with government and NHS national priorities for a resilient and efficient healthcare system.
“Developed with a regional structure to ensure all sizes of suppliers are included, we’re delighted to be able to offer a blend and provide a choice of solutions for the NHS, and to work with hospitals, trusts and Integrated Care Systems to manage their soft FM needs.”
Part of the evaluation process measured the ability of bidders to tackle modern slavery in their supply chains and provide apprenticeships through the delivery of their offers through these framework agreements. This means organisations who call off services using them will benefit from collaborating with suppliers who are committed to delivering social value which in turn will benefit their own Green Plans.
Verburg concludes:
“By streamlining procurement and ensuring access to high quality sustainable services, we’re helping healthcare organisations save time and money while enhancing patient care. This reflects our commitment to delivering practical, innovative solutions that support the NHS in achieving its goals.”
