The contract covers critical services, including cleaning, maintenance, security, patient catering and portering.

Adam Mitton, technical services operating officer, Mitie, said: ‘We are proud to extend Mitie's 26-year partnership with NCIC. Our colleagues play a vital role in supporting NCIC by delivering quality critical services every day. By combining their dedication with our innovative smart technology, we are supporting NCIC to remain a high-quality healthcare environment.'

Mitie will expand the use of its smart portering technology to support the day-to-day tasks such as keeping equipment moving across the estate and handling waste removal. Using AI-driven task management and smartphone-based location tracking, tasks are routed instantly to the right person, in the right place. During periods of high demand, the technology also supports Mitie colleagues to streamline their work by deploying resource where it is most needed.  

Since the technology was first piloted in 2022, it has helped reduce colleague response times, with porter response times reducing by two thirds (66%) and cleaner response times by almost half (47%).

James Drury, executive director of finance, NCIC, said: ‘This is a positive outcome that provides good value for money and continuity of service for NCIC and certainty for Mitie colleagues about their roles. We look forward to continuing our positive partnership with Mitie as one team working together to deliver a great working environment and safe high-quality care for our patients.'