NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a £250 million communication framework.

The Patient/Citizen Communication, Engagement and Hybrid Mail Solutions framework is designed to help public sector organisations, including NHS trusts, improve the way they communicate with their patients and service users.

Solutions on offer include chatbots, SMS messaging, mail processing, workforce communication, call handling via call centres and the provision of patient portals and smartphone apps.

The framework includes seven Lots.

Senior Category manager Kelly Harris said: “Effective communication is vital in any organisation – but even more so in the NHS, when lives can depend on it. Unfortunately, NHS organisations aren’t always quick to adopt new communication technologies – some trusts are still using fax machines[2] and analogue pagers.

“Using a framework agreement like ours enables all public sector organisations to swiftly and compliantly procure reliable and cost-effective ways of communicating with their patients, staff and service users.”