A framework agreement has made it easier for Integrated Care Systems to procure remote patient monitoring solutions to ease pressure on health and social care services.

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has formally launched the second iteration of its framework agreement, Technology Enabled Care Services 2 , designed to respond to the need within the NHS and social care sector to free up beds, reduce the backlog of appointments, speed up patient discharge, and reduce the burden on the stretched social care sector. 

Adam Nickerson, head of category – Digital & IT Procurement Frameworks, at NHS SBS commented: “The coronavirus pandemic added to waiting lists and the knock-on effects of a lack of beds in the NHS and social care sector. As such, NHSE is looking to deploy virtual ward beds to scale up capacity from 7,000 to 10,000 this autumn, ready for next winter.

“As part of this ambition, ICSs are expected to deliver virtual ward capacity equivalent to 40-50 virtual ward beds per 100,000 people by December 2023, with virtual ward services developed across ICSs and provider collaboratives, rather than individual institutions. In so doing, improving health and integrated care across the health and care system.

“The framework agreement enables ICSs and provider collaboratives – from housing authorities to local authorities, to strategically source and quickly buy a mixture of goods be it a single, bundled or a fully managed service, which work across a region. It means they can better plan and deliver joined up services and improve the health of the population across their regional wing of care.”

Virtual wards combine technology and remote monitoring and advice to allow hospital-level care, including diagnostics and treatment. They can also replace the need for admission and facilitate people being able to leave hospital sooner, safely.

For more information about the Technology Enabled Care Services 2 framework agreement, contact the NHS SBS team at: [email protected]