The NHS is accelerating its digital transformation to improve patient care amid rising pressures on staff, budgets, and resources. A new £1.5 billion framework agreement from NHS Shared Business Services and NOE CPC will streamline procurement of essential IT equipment, helping trusts modernise infrastructure, adopt emerging technologies, and meet future healthcare demands efficiently and sustainably
The NHS is undergoing a digital transformation aimed at improving healthcare delivery while addressing budget constraints, staff shortages, and increasing patient demand. To facilitate this transition, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) and NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC) have jointly launched the Tech Devices – Link 4 framework agreement. This £1.5 billion contract can be used by all NHS organisations to buy essential IT equipment at pace, compliantly and cost-effectively, enabling healthcare professionals to have the modern digital tools and devices needed to support the delivery of better patient care and health outcomes.
The need for digital transformation in healthcare
Legacy IT systems in the NHS often fail to meet the demands of modern healthcare. And despite the remarkable advances in medical science, many NHS trusts still rely on outdated IT infrastructure.
This reliance on outdated systems is increasingly problematic. They fail to meet the demands of modern healthcare, leading to inefficiencies in workflows, data sharing, and patient care coordination among others.
Additionally, outdated technology can create significant operational inefficiencies, as healthcare professionals spend more time troubleshooting technical issues rather than focusing on patient care.
One of the three “Big Shifts” the government’s forthcoming 10-year plan for the NHS will focus on is a transition from analogue to digital systems. This shift is essential for addressing the challenges identified in the Darzi Review. It highlighted the crucial role of technology in transforming NHS operations, particularly in light of rising patient waiting lists, shrinking budgets, workforce shortages and declining public health outcomes.
The need for modern, secure, and efficient technology is urgent, especially as the NHS begins to adopt emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to improve diagnostics and patient care.
Upgrading IT equipment
Modernising IT equipment is not just a matter of improving efficiency for the convenience of staff; it saves lives.
Upgrading devices such as tablets, mobile workstations, and diagnostic monitors is integral to making clinicians as effective as possible.
These tools improve access to Electronic Patient Records (EPR), support telehealth consultations, and integrate AI-driven analytics, all of which help healthcare professionals make quicker, better, more informed decisions.
With the right technology in place, clinicians can spend more time with patients and less time on administrative tasks, leading to a more effective healthcare system.
Overcoming procurement challenges
One of the main barriers to IT modernisation within the NHS has been the complexity and cost associated with replacing outdated systems. Many trusts struggle to secure the necessary funding or face lengthy procurement processes that delay critical updates to their technology infrastructure.
The traditional approach to procurement is often bureaucratic, requiring multiple rounds of bidding and compliance checks, which can significantly slow down the process.
The Tech Devices – Link 4 framework agreement seeks to address these challenges by offering a streamlined, pre-approved list of suppliers and solutions.
The simplified procurement process eliminates the need for extensive vetting, cutting down the time and effort required to acquire essential technology. With transparent pricing and a competitive selection of trusted suppliers, the framework agreement ensures that NHS organisations can access high-quality IT devices quickly and affordably.
This framework agreement also enables bulk purchasing, offering savings on large orders whilst ensuring that devices meet the specific needs of healthcare providers.
The result is a faster, more efficient procurement process that enables NHS healthcare organisations to invest in the modern IT infrastructure needed to support staff and in turn, enhance patient care.
A comprehensive and sustainable approach
The Tech Devices – Link 4 framework agreement comprises four key categories, or ‘Lots,’ to address the diverse technological/hardware needs:
1. Everyday IT Devices and Peripherals: This category includes essential devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and peripherals (e.g. keyboards, monitors, headphones) that are necessary for day-to-day healthcare operations.
2.Healthcare-Focused IT Hardware: Specifically designed for medical environments, this category includes devices like medical workstations and diagnostic monitors that streamline workflows, improve medication tracking, and enable real-time patient record access.
3. Printing and Scanning Solutions: While digital records are becoming more widespread, printing and scanning remain essential. This Lot includes high-volume printers, label printers, and asset scanners that are crucial for maintaining patient records and managing inventory efficiently.
4. Refurbished and Sustainable IT Devices: To support the NHS’s sustainability goals, this category offers high-performance, refurbished, and remanufactured devices as a cost-effective alternative to new hardware. These devices help extend the lifecycle of IT equipment, reduce e-waste, and contribute to the NHS’s net-zero objectives.
The framework agreement is endorsed and recommended by NHS England as a route to market for trusts, GP surgeries, hospitals and other NHS healthcare providers/organisations seeking to purchase Digital & IT solutions. It also extends beyond the NHS and can be used by the wider public sector including schools, colleges and universities, and local authorities, enabling them to leverage the massive buying power of the NHS.
Modernising for a digital future
The NHS’s vision of a streamlined, inclusive digital health service depends on a robust IT infrastructure. Without modern IT infrastructure, the NHS risks falling behind in its digital transformation efforts.
Healthcare professionals are increasingly reliant on technology to perform their roles efficiently, and outdated systems can lead to frustration, delays, and errors.
Investing in modern devices and technologies is not just about improving operational efficiency; it is a crucial step in providing high-quality, patient-centred care.
Without modern devices, NHS trusts cannot upgrade systems like EPR. Community nurses lose valuable time on administrative tasks instead of patient visits. Legacy systems lack robust cybersecurity measures, leaving sensitive patient data vulnerable to breaches. Adoption of advanced technologies - like artificial intelligence - are hampered, stifling opportunities for innovation.
Modernising and investing in advanced IT equipment, therefore, is vital to overcoming challenges, and key to improving productivity and care.
Find the framework here
