NHS England has laid out its plans for working with small and medium enterprises including those in the digital, data and technology (DDaT) sector.
It has published an SME action plan based on its first year of working with its SME advisory group.
Among the key points made in the document is an acknowledgement that SMEs make a considerable contribution to DDaT, with the Government having a priority to level the playing field for them in public procurement. It also relates their contribution to its preference for cloud based working.
In response, NHS England says one of its priorities is that, by 2026, it will review its approach and improve guidance on how to integrate SMEs into its digital assets in a timely manner.
Other elements of the plan include: to develop advice and a signposting library to share solutions to common problems with the SME community; carry out an annual survey on their experience of doing business with the NHS; hold market engagement events at a category level; help small companies understand NHS tendering processes and how to bid effectively; and, after the introduction of new public procurement laws, carry out an internal awareness campaign to ensures are considered.
Guidance and engagement
It also points to plans to improve guidance for SMEs and increase engagement on their role in innovation, and build up their understanding of social value and environmental requirements.
In the document’s foreword, Jacqui Rock, chair of the advisory group and chief commercial officer for NHS England, says: “The SME community has a more significant role than ever in supporting our health service to deliver on its priorities for patients and staff.
“Over the next two years, I look forward to delivering on the objectives outlined in this plan and making the NHS a place where SMEs can thrive, for the benefit of our patients.”
