NHS SBS's framework agreement provides buyers with access to a broad range of IT infrastructure, including on premise network infrastructure, servers/storage, commercial off-the-shelf software licences, bespoke software licensing and end-user devices.

‘Fixing digital foundations starts with refreshing and securing core infrastructure -from data centres to networking equipment,' said David Holbrook, senior category manager – Digital Workforce & IT Transformation at NHS SBS. ‘That's central to what this framework agreement enables.'

The contract follows the Government's commitment of £10bn at the Spending Review to accelerate digital transformation within the NHS, to improve efficiency, enable responsive services, lay the groundwork for predictive, preventative care and boost productivity.

The demand for secure, scalable infrastructure is set to rise such as NHS Online, the UK's first virtual hospital, which is set to launch via the NHS App in 2027.

Holbrook added: ‘As we move into an era dominated by AI and Internet of Things, legacy systems simply don't have the processing power or data handling capabilities to support them. Unsupported, infrastructure doesn't just hinder transformation, it introduces significant security risks.

‘Our Digital Workplace Solutions framework agreement in itself doesn't deliver innovative technology. However, it gives NHS and wider public sector organisations access to the core products and tools that make innovation happen.'