Benefits of Medical IT

When weighing up whether or not to list on a framework it is important to know what makes this one stand out from the crowd. Prospective Medical IT suppliers take note...

In case you haven’t heard, the next iteration of NHS Supply Chain’s Medical IT framework is due to open for applications next year. To find out if your products and services are suitable, check out our framework FAQs. But if you’re still not sure whether to list, we’ve broken down benefits of Medical IT – take a look.

It’s the only Framework operated and overseen by The NHS Business Services Authority

NHSBSA are an Arm’s Length Body of the Department of Health and Social Care. The organisation provides a range of services to NHS organisations, including supplier management through NHS Supply chain. In fact, NHS SBS describe the framework as an “opportunity to communicate with the leading suppliers in the UK marketplace for Healthcare IT solutions and associated ancillary software and hardware”. So, if you’re looking to supply to the NHS, this framework is one of the most direct routes.

The scope is broad

There are only two lots on the current framework iteration, covering Software Solutions and Complimentary Hardware. However, the product categories within the scope range from specific solutions such as “Ultrasound Image Management”, to categories as broad as “Apps” and “Maternity”.

It’s a flexible procurement route

The Medical IT route has been developed to be totally flexible, with room for various elements to be removed or added as required. To summarise, timeframes for the process are as follows:

• Pre-market engagement – Dependent on the buyer. This includes initial enquiries, calls and emails, and realise of prior information notices
• Tender notice issued, followed by on site demos and site visits – 10-20 working dates
• Best offer awarded – 5 working days
• Finalisation of contracts– 10-60 working days

So, compared to more traditional procurement routes, this allows for speedy, flexible procurement.

Opportunities await

Over 350 Medical IT Contracts have been procured through the framework since 2012. You can see the list of suppliers on the current iteration here – some big names who have won some big business.

Moreover, the estimated value of the next iteration is anywhere between £458-£640m! Certainly not an opportunity not to miss.

Applications open soon!

The Medical IT team are planning to approach the market in January 2020. Although we don’t have a set date yet, Team AC are regularly looking out for updates. To make sure you don’t miss out anything, check out our procurement pipeline or sign up for framework updates.

Sounds like you might be suitable for Medical IT? Get in touch! Advice Cloud can support you with applying for and managing your place on the framework.