The Respiratory Therapy Solutions framework agreement enables organisations to quickly acquire essential equipment like non‑invasive ventilators, sleep therapy devices and airway clearance systems for patients to use at home.

‘As winter sets in, colds, flu and seasonal viruses put extra strain on hospitals across the UK,' said Lynne Gray, category manager – health, NHS SBS.

‘For people living with long‑term respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, or sleep apnoea, the risks are even greater.

‘Our framework agreement supports the NHS and other organisations in their duty of care, helping patients and communities to stay healthy and manage conditions safely and independently at home.'

The framework agreement includes remote monitoring to manage conditions, home re-supply and compliance reporting.

As well as the NHS, it is available to council-run care homes, local authorities, emergency services and wider public sector organisations.

Gray concluded: ‘By moving care into the community, we can help reduce avoidable A&E visits, easing pressure on hospital beds and frontline staff during the busiest time of year.'