GP practices can access a list of pre-approved suppliers to help them tackle fire and building risks under a new framework agreement launched in response to an ‘urgent’ need to address infrastructure problems.
The NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) developed the agreement for all healthcare and public sector buildings in England, in the wake of the increased focus on fire safety following the Grenfell Tower disaster, which also put a spotlight on the fact NHS buildings are failing to meet modern safety standards.
The framework agreement, launched this week, provides ‘a full compliance offer’, including active and passive fire safety, fire risk assessment, and consultancy services, required to mitigate risks such as life hazards, liability, operational disruption, reputational damage, and legal penalties.
It gives practices quick access to vetted suppliers (from multinationals to regional small and medium-sized businesses) for a wide range of specialist services like asbestos management, legionella treatment, authorising engineers, and fire safety.
Brendan Griffin-Ryan, NHS SBS senior category manager, said fire safety, building maintenance, and compliance across NHS estates were urgent issues, adding that NHS England estimates the cost of dealing with the current backlog of maintenance issues in hospitals alone to be £13.8bn.
The National Audit Office reported 5,400 clinical incidents in 2023-2024 due to infrastructure failures and poor conditions, he added, and trust documents reveal deficiencies risking fires, floods, electrical failures, and hazardous material exposure.
‘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.’
Mr Griffin-Ryan also explained: ‘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.’
In the Budget last year, the Government committed to investing an extra £100m to upgrade around 200 GP estates across England, ‘making facilities fit to deliver effective, quality care’.
The Building Safety and Fire Compliance, which runs from 24 February 2025 to 23 February 2029 can be accessed here.
