NHS Supply Chain is helping hospital trusts across England to adopt innovative new digital solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) and business analytics, along with the use of data management and cloud-based software and various department-specific solutions.

Its updated Medical IT Departmental Software and Hardware Solutions framework, which launched on 1 February 2021 and runs for two years, gives trusts access to an expanded choice of the latest technology from more than 70 suppliers, with increased product availability and a wide range of services and flexible IT software products designed to modernise NHS systems and increase efficiency.

Trusts can specify and create bespoke clinical solutions across single or multiple departments, sites and trusts, supported by NHS Supply Chain’s Category Tower 7 (Large Diagnostic Capital Equipment including Mobile and Services) team which has extensive medical IT procurement expertise. These processes have been developed over four years, with the input of trusts and suppliers to ensure they are robust and efficient for all users.

Phil Scott, NHS Supply Chain’s Trading Manager – Maintenance and Services said: “Medical IT systems are essential to the NHS digital transformation as every hospital requires a way to store, manage and share vital patient data across each site, region and even nation.

“Our updated and improved Medical IT framework aligns to the national NHS Digital strategy. It enables us to provide individually tailored support to acute trusts in procuring a range of cross department digital solutions and supporting hardware from a range of leading technology suppliers, in a rapidly evolving landscape. Our framework solutions are cutting edge and centralise data within trusts, making internal processes more efficient – saving time and duplication of efforts.”