The new Building Safety and Fire Compliance framework has been launched to improve safety measures across healthcare buildings
The NHS fire safety procurement framework has been launched by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS).
Many healthcare buildings in the NHS estates and wider public sector are facing infrastructure issues, including fire safety, building maintenance, and compliance.
The NHS fire safety procurement framework gives a full compliance offer
The offer includes work for active and passive fire safety, fire risk assessment, consultancy services, and other essential works to manage hazards, liability, operational disruption, reputational damage, and legal penalties.
Current estimates put the cost of the NHS’s maintenance backlog at £13.8bn, more than the cost of running the NHS estate (£13.6bn). The National Audit Office also reported 5,400 clinical incidents caused by infrastructure failures and poor conditions in 2023-2024, and there are recorded issues and deficiencies causing fire and flood risks, electrical failures, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Last July, a report by the Darwin Group and Portakabin estimated 7.6m separate cases that require attention.
A £1bn funding boost for repairs and upgrades has been issued by the government, and £102m has been earmarked for phase 1 of GP surgery upgrades. The New Hospital Programme has also been established to upgrade the NHS estate with £15bn.
The New Hospital Programme roadmap has been laid out, with projects starting and being worked on from 2026-2039, including new hospitals, extensions to existing hospitals, RAAC remediation work, and five-year waves of investments. Poole Hospital in Dorset, Derriford Emergency Care Hospital in Plymouth, and Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital are all expected to begin construction either this year or next year.
The framework “aligns with key health and safety regulations”
Brendan Griffin-Ryan, NHS SBS senior category manager, said: “The increased emphasis on fire safety brought about by the dreadful Grenfell Tower disaster has shown that some NHS buildings fail to meet modern safety standards and underscores why fire safety compliance and protocols are paramount.
“The NHS must prioritise fire safety to prevent incidents similar to Grenfell from occurring in healthcare settings, where the impact could be catastrophic.
“Our framework agreement provides the NHS with a comprehensive range of services. It aligns with key health and safety regulations—ensuring seamless integration and adherence to all compliance in critical areas like fire safety, water treatment, and asbestos management, crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of NHS buildings, protecting patients, staff, and visitors.”
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