NHS Launches £700m Digital Diagnostics Procurement Framework
NHS Supply Chain, serving NHS organisations in England and Wales, has announced a procurement framework worth up to £700m (US$924m), set to launch in August next year.
Named Digital Diagnostic Solutions, the framework aims to enhance the storage, management and sharing of data across various hospital departments.
The framework will cover a single lot that includes functions such as radiology, cardiovascular information systems and imaging archives.
Options will be available for both managed and non-managed services, as well as software-only solutions.
NHS Supply Chain aims to establish a route for implementing departmental-wide diagnostic IT solutions.
The agreement will address various areas, including radiology, cardiology, ultrasound, X-rays, endoscopy, intensive care and maternity services. It will also support the integration of "diagnostic AI and associated hardware" into hospital systems.
The framework will offer both managed and non-managed service contracts, along with software-only options.
This flexibility will allow hospitals to create bespoke digital diagnostic solutions, catering to single departments or multiple sites.
"Digital Diagnostic Solutions is to be the new Framework for the Medical IT Departmental Software and Hardware Solutions framework within NHS Supply Chain," the agency stated. "Digital systems are the backbone of any hospital with every department requiring a way to store, manage and share their data across sites, regions and even whole nations.
"Customers will have the ability to specify and create a fully bespoke digital diagnostic solution for different requirements that can range from a single site or department to a solution across multiple departments or trusts," the notice added.
NHS Supply Chain has not yet started the formal procurement process. It plans to engage with potential suppliers in a feedback exercise to shape the tender process. This will ensure the framework meets the diverse needs of NHS organisations.
Procurement timeline and value
NHS Supply Chain plans to engage with suppliers before formally launching the procurement process. The timeline includes:
- Supplier engagement and feedback exercise
- Bidding process expected to open shortly before Christmas 2024
- Contracts scheduled to be signed with chosen suppliers in July 2025
- Framework to come into effect from August 2025
The initiative will support hospitals in deploying hardware and software solutions, including artificial intelligence, to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient care across the NHS.
How AI is enhancing patient care in the NHS
AI's growing role in the NHS is transforming patient care by improving diagnostics, boosting efficiency, and expanding access to services
AI is becoming a vital tool in the NHS for several reasons. It improves diagnostics, streamlines workflows, supports preventive care and enhances clinical decision-making. Despite challenges like patient privacy and trust, AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery.
AI is also expanding access to healthcare services. Virtual assistants and chatbots offer 24/7 support for basic health queries, providing immediate assistance to patients. Additionally, remote monitoring technologies powered by AI allow patients to be cared for at home, reducing the need for hospital visits.
This not only improves patient convenience but also helps to alleviate the strain on NHS resources.
AI acts as a valuable support tool for clinicians. AI systems can analyse the latest medical research and guidelines to offer evidence-based recommendations, helping clinicians make more informed decisions. Machine learning models can also identify optimal treatment options for complex cases by analysing outcomes from similar patients.
While challenges such as ensuring patient privacy and building trust in AI systems remain, the potential benefits for the NHS are substantial. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly vital role in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes across the NHS.
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