The NHS estate backlog has become a critical issue, with aging infrastructure and delayed repairs posing significant challenges to patient safety and operational efficiency. The important of Soft Facilities Management (FM) services like laundry, security, waste management, and general upkeep cannot be overstated
These non-clinical services are critical for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities. By investing in effective Soft FM, NHS organisations can alleviate the pressure on their estates, creating safer, more efficient environments for both patients and staff. Three new procurement solutions from NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) are helping them to do this.
Tackling the NHS estate backlog
As patient demand continues to rise, the NHS requires well-maintained, functional buildings to accommodate staff, treat patients, and support various administrative functions. These facilities, ranging from hospitals and clinics to offices and research centres, are under increasing pressure. Many are in dire need of refurbishment.
The growing backlog of maintenance work and the limited funding for upgrades have left NHS estates in a state of disrepair. The NHS now finds itself in a challenging position: existing buildings need substantial attention, but there’s also a need for new infrastructure to meet the demands of modern healthcare.
The case for infrastructure upgrades
The findings from Lord Darzi’s independent investigation into the NHS have drawn attention to the poor condition of its estate, identifying it as a significant barrier to high-quality care.
The maintenance backlog is disrupting the delivery of services, with deteriorating conditions affecting health and safety, undermining staff morale, and reducing productivity. These issues further compound the NHS’s struggle to tackle patient backlogs and improve overall performance.
A key takeaway from Lord Darzi’s report is the urgent need to modernise the NHS estate to support enhanced patient care. This involves more than just patching up old buildings; it’s about creating environments that contribute to better health outcomes.
Modernising NHS estates is a critical priority, requiring investments in both physical infrastructure and new technologies that can improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. These upgrades also need to be designed to improve the experience of both patients and staff - spaces that are not only functional but conducive to recovery and well-being.
NHS estate costs and government investment
The financial burden of maintaining the NHS estate is substantial. NHS England has estimated the total cost currently stands at £13.6bn. Of this, £1.5bn is allocated to cleaning and related services, while energy consumption across NHS facilities adds up to 11.1 billion kWh. This financial burden underscores the importance of making strategic investments to address long-term sustainability.
In the Autumn 2024 budget, the government recognised the need for increased investment in NHS infrastructure. A £1bn funding boost was announced to help address the existing backlog of essential repairs and upgrades. Additionally, £102million has been earmarked for the first phase of GP surgery upgrades, marking a significant step toward transforming the primary care estate.
The government is also committed to the New Hospital Programme, a long-term initiative aimed at modernising NHS buildings. Following a review and an update to the project timetable, all planned projects within this programme, backed by £15 billion of new investment, are set to be delivered over several phases, ensuring that NHS facilities across the country are transformed to meet the needs of modern healthcare.
Enhancing operational efficiency with Soft FM solutions
Effective Soft FM is crucial to ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of NHS facilities. With services such as linen management, waste handling, security, and grounds maintenance, Soft FM plays a pivotal role in creating safe, clean, and welcoming environments for both patients and staff. These services not only help maintain hygiene standards but also support broader healthcare goals, such as improving patient recovery times and enhancing staff satisfaction.
NHS SBS’s three new Soft FM procurement framework agreements — designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce cost — are a response to these needs.
With a combined value of £375m, the framework agreements provide NHS trusts and public sector organisations with quick access to compliant, cost-effective solutions from fully vetted vendors, enabling them to buy solutions and services to manage the upkeep of their estates, at pace. The framework agreements cover essential services that directly impact the operational effectiveness of NHS facilities.
Linen and Laundry Services: supporting hygiene and infection control
The £150m linen and laundry services framework agreement provides a comprehensive solution for managing linen across NHS estates. This includes linen hire, decontamination, repair, and recycling. These services are crucial in maintaining hygiene standards and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which continue to be a major concern in hospital settings.
In addition to infection control, it promotes sustainability by recycling old linen and using energy-efficient laundry practices, aligning with the NHS’s net-zero ambitions, helping reduce the environmental impact of hospital operations. The framework’s regional structure allows NHS buyers to source from local suppliers and SMEs, offering flexibility and promoting regional economic growth.
Grounds Maintenance: enhancing patient wellbeing and estate presentation
A well-maintained environment is essential for promoting patient recovery and staff wellbeing. NHS estates require constant attention, from landscaping and pest control to regular cleaning of outdoor spaces.
The £100m grounds maintenance framework agreement provides a range of services that ensure NHS facilities remain clean, attractive, and functional.
In addition to general upkeep, the framework supports sustainability goals. For example, green waste is recycled or composted, and electric-powered tools are used to reduce carbon emissions.
The framework also assists NHS trusts in meeting biodiversity targets as part of their broader Green Plans, ensuring that NHS estates are both environmentally friendly and conducive to health.
Security Services: safeguarding people and property
Ensuring the safety and security of patients, staff, and assets is a critical priority for NHS organisations. The £125m security services framework agreement solutions offer includes manned guarding, keyholding, and emergency response. This is vital for creating a secure environment that allows healthcare workers to focus on delivering care without concerns about safety.
Security services also protect valuable medical equipment and hospital assets, essential for maintaining high standards of patient care. By streamlining the procurement of these services, NHS organisations can ensure their facilities remain safe and secure, supporting the delivery of uninterrupted care.
Streamlined procurement for greater efficiency
One of the key advantages of the new framework agreements is the streamlined procurement process. By offering access to pre-approved suppliers, NHS trusts can avoid lengthy and complex tender processes. This reduces administrative burdens and speeds up the procurement process, enabling NHS organisations to quickly acquire the services they need at competitive rates.
The framework agreements also offer transparent pricing, making it easier for procurement teams to compare options and select the best value solutions. With inclusive access to a diverse range of suppliers — including SMEs — they promote fairness and ensure procurement processes are equitable.
A focus on sustainability and innovation
The NHS is committed to sustainability, and the framework agreements align with that vision. From energy-efficient laundry practices to electric-powered equipment, the solutions offered through them reduce environmental impact while maintaining high service standards.
NHS SBS’s supplier evaluation process also included a focus on social value. Bidders were required to demonstrate how they address modern slavery in their supply chains and provide apprenticeships or training opportunities through the delivery of their services. This social value aspect ensures the framework agreements not only contribute to the NHS’s operational goals but also support broader societal and environmental objectives.
Looking ahead
NHS SBS plans to roll out three more framework agreements soon, focusing on Building Safety and Fire Compliance, Cleaning and Associated Products and Services and Catering and Associated Services. The additions will enhance its range of Soft FM solutions, enabling it to provide the NHS and public organisations a comprehensive suite of tools to support them with estate maintenance and management.
