NHS Shared Business Service (NHS SBS) is beginning to set up a procurement framework for internet of things (IoT) technology for healthcare sites.
It has published a future opportunity notice for a contract for IoT and Smart Connected Healthcare Environments, indicating that it is expected to go live in February 2026 and could cover a spend of up to £150 million.
The agency, which provides corporate services to NHS bodies, is making the move in response to the growing importance of sensors and other IoT devices in supporting operations and maintaining a safe environment in hospitals and other settings.
The notice states: “The technology helps with a myriad of problems - from asset tracking, waste, water, air quality and energy monitoring and management, efficient usage of buildings and workspaces, telematics, smart theatres, smart street lighting, real time visibility of medical devices, home monitoring based solutions, traffic insights and signals, CCTV, cameras, IoT sensors and crime prevention.”
Smart tech
It outlines four lots, the first being for the provision of smart technology products along with their maintenance, monitoring and management. This would support the operation of smart buildings, water and waste management, crime prevention, education, street lighting and the monitoring of air and noise pollution.
The second lot covers data analytics and software platforms to support reporting and advanced visualisation. It would provide possibilities such as the creation of digital twins of NHS physical environments.
Third is end-to-end smart technology solutions, covering a combination of services from the first two lots through managed services as software-as-a-package.
Fourth is consultancy services including solution proposals, programme development, strategic direction and change management.
NHS SBS is planning to hold market engagement sessions with experts and suppliers up to December of this year.
The Crown Commercial Service has a procurement framework in place for IoT and Smart Cities, but the specific demands of healthcare environments provides the scope for a framework for NHS organisations.
