NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a new framework agreement, Building Safety and Fire Compliance, in order to ensure healthcare settings are protected against fire hazards.
As well as providing a full compliance offer, including active and passive fire safety, the framework agreement also facilitates fire risk assessment and consultancy services, which are essential to manage risks like life hazards, liability, operational disruption, repetitional damage, and legal penalties. The framework agreement will allow for key health and safety regulations to be upheld, as well as seamless integration and adherence to al compliance in critical areas like fire safety, water treatment, and asbestos management.
This follows the large number of healthcare buildings across England that are affected by worsening infrastructure challenges, which highlights the need for fire safety, building maintenance, and compliance across NHS estates and the wider public sector.
NHS has estimated that the cost to remove the maintenance backlog in the NHS estate is at £13.8 billion, which surpasses the £13.6 billion cost of running the estate. The National Audit Office has reported 5,4000 clinical incidents in 2023-24 due to infrastructure failures and poor conditions, with Trust documents revealing deficiencies that put buildings and staff at risk of fires, floods, electrical failures, and hazardous material exposure.
The government has consequently agreed to a £1 billion funding boost for essential repairs and upgrades, with £102 million earmarked for the first phase of GP surgery upgrades. The New Hospital Programme has received £15 million investment to modernise NHS buildings over the next few years.
NHS SBS senior category manager, Brendan Griffin-Ryan, said: “The increased emphasis on fire safety brought about by the dreadful Grenfell Tower disaster has shown that some NHS buildings fail to meet modern safety standards and underscores why fire safety compliance and protocols are paramount.
“The NHS must prioritise fire safety to prevent incidents similar to Grenfell from occurring in healthcare settings, where the impact could be catastrophic.
“Our framework agreement provides the NHS with a comprehensive range of services. It aligns with key health and safety regulations — ensuring seamless integration and adherence to all compliance in critical areas like fire safety, water treatment, and asbestos management, crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of NHS buildings, protecting patients, staff, and visitors.”
