NHSX opens tender for clinical communication tools for NHS Trusts

A new open procurement has been launched by NHSX to potentially establish a framework for NHS Trusts to procure health tech communication services on a national basis.

The procurement is inviting suppliers to express an interest in the process which is intended to commence in June 2020. The value of the contract totals £3m, for 2 years and closes for suppliers to express their interest on 31st May 2020.

The programme aims to support NHS organisations with dedicated communication and tasks management tools as part of a drive to accelerate adoption of proven technologies and phase out pagers.

Technologies need to be able to demonstrate they save time for individuals and teams, support patient transfers of care and be scalable across the NHS. Innovations must have at least one reference site or use case.

Documentation as part of the tender stated “In Feb 2019, the Secretary of State announced that NHS trusts will be required to phase out pagers by the end of 2021 and to move to more modern communication tools. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need to urgently deliver on this commitment. NHS organisations require dedicated communications and task management systems to save staff time by reducing their need to use the historic ‘bleep’ system or by sending emails. Staff need to share clinical information quickly and securely whilst at work but they should be able to be turned off when not at work.”

Sam Shah, Global Clinical and Digital Adviser, Department of International Trade commented on Twitter “Really interesting, could help clinicians across England. Assuming £3m isn’t for a the whole of England. If there are c1.3m workers that’s about £1 per worker per year. Not sure anyone could realistically deliver a viable programme. VC in hospital was c£12m so this seems very low.”

Interested suppliers are required to submit an expression of interest to the National Commercial and Procurement Hub, for further details please click here.