An updated framework agreement for GP practices looking to bring in modular buildings to extend their premises permanently or use temporarily has been published.
The agreement, tailored to the NHS and other public services, means surgeries have a ‘cost effective procurement route ‘to buying, hiring or leasing modular construction.
The agreement called Modular Buildings 3 and produced by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), runs from now until June 2029, replacing an older version.
It lists more than 25 suppliers and covers different levels of spend.
Modular buildings are constructed offsite in a controlled factory environment, meaning they can be built more quickly, sustainably and with less disruption than traditional methods, while delivering significant cost savings, according to NHS SBS.
It adds that they can be used as a ‘fast solution’ for GP practices requiring extra premises space or wanting to update facilities.
A key advantage is that they can be easily expanded, reconfigured, or relocated, the framework agreement explains, so they can be adapted to service needs.
Kat Jackson, principal category manager at NHS SBS said: ‘The Modular Buildings 3 framework agreement offers an opportunity to fast-track the construction of homes, schools, and NHS facilities.
‘The framework facilitates rapid access to and delivery of essential infrastructure, enabling all public sector organisations to compliantly procure modular solutions from reputable suppliers.’
Last month, it was announced that 1,027 GP practices in England would receive a share of around £102m to refurbish their premises and working spaces.
The cash will help to develop new consultation and treatment rooms and facilities, and be used to improve the existing infrastructure for the GP practice workforce, the Department of Health and Social Care has said.
The use of modular buildings is a solution covered in Management in Practice’s new guide on how to improve GP premises, which can be accessed here.
