Together, it says, 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 £1 bn 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 £13.6 bn, cleaning costs, at £1.5 bn, and total energy use at 11.1 billion kWh.
Nick Verburg, head of Category Management at NHS SBS (pictured), 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 that 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.”
Valued at £150 m, the Linen and Laundry Services framework agreement provides ‘a comprehensive solution’ for managed laundry and linen services, including hiring, buying and decontaminating – ‘critical to the prevention and control of infections in healthcare settings’, through to repairing and recycling of old linen, enabling its re-use for cost efficiencies. NHS SBS said: “Promoting sustainable practices, it aligns with the NHS’s Net Zero goals. Its regional structure enables buyers to source from local NHS suppliers and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who constitute 56% of suppliers on the framework agreement.”
‘From landscaping to pest control’, the £100 m Grounds Maintenance and Associated Services framework agreement offers ‘services that contribute to creating a safe and welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors’. NHS SBS says it also supports NHS Trusts in meeting biodiversity targets as part of their Green Plans, with an offer that ensures that all green waste is recycled or composted, and options for the use of electric power tools and grass-cutting equipment.
The £125 m Security Services, CCTV, and Video Surveillance Systems framework agreement, meanwhile, provides access to a range of security services – including manned guarding, keyholding, and emergency response.
NHS SBS said: “All three framework agreements simplify procurement by providing access to pre-approved suppliers, removing the need for lengthy and complex tender processes. This enables healthcare procurement teams to quickly source and acquire services they need, while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. With transparent pricing and inclusive access to suppliers, including SMEs, the framework agreements make procurement more accessible and equitable.”
Nick Verburg added: “Part of our 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. Therefore, 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.”