New framework supports fire safety compliance in NHS buildings

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has introduced a new framework agreement, Building Safety and Fire Compliance, designed to enhance fire safety measures in healthcare settings across England.

The framework provides access to active and passive fire safety solutions, fire risk assessments, and consultancy services.

NHS SBS stated that the initiative aims to help NHS estates and public sector organisations manage risks such as legal penalties, operational disruption, and safety hazards.

Brendan Griffin-Ryan, NHS SBS senior category manager, said: “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.”

NHS estates face mounting infrastructure challenges

NHS England has estimated that eliminating the NHS maintenance backlog would cost £13.8 billion, exceeding the £13.6 billion spent annually on running the NHS estate.

The National Audit Office reported that 5,400 clinical incidents occurred in 2023-2024 due to infrastructure failures.

NHS trust documents highlight risks including electrical failures, exposure to hazardous materials, floods, and fire hazards.

To address these issues, the government has allocated £1 billion for essential repairs and upgrades, with £102 million designated for the first phase of GP surgery improvements.

The New Hospital Programme, with a budget of £15 billion, aims to modernise NHS facilities over multiple phases.

Framework offers specialist fire safety procurement options

The Building Safety and Fire Compliance framework allows NHS procurement teams to select vetted suppliers for services such as asbestos management, legionella treatment, and fire safety solutions.

NHS SBS said this approach ensures quicker and more compliant procurement of fire safety and compliance services.

The framework includes a range of suppliers, from multinational companies to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling flexibility and accessibility for NHS trusts and public sector organisations.

Regulatory alignment and risk mitigation

NHS SBS stated that the framework is designed to align with key health and safety regulations, supporting compliance across critical areas such as fire safety, water treatment, and asbestos management.

Griffin-Ryan added: “The NHS must prioritise fire safety to prevent incidents similar to Grenfell from occurring in healthcare settings, where the impact could be catastrophic.

“Our framework agreement provides the NHS with a comprehensive range of services.

I”t 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.”

NHS SBS launches fire safety and compliance framework for healthcare estates: Summary

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched the Building Safety and Fire Compliance framework to help NHS estates and public sector organisations meet fire safety and compliance requirements.

The framework provides access to active and passive fire safety solutions, risk assessments, and consultancy services.

NHS England has reported that addressing the NHS maintenance backlog would cost £13.8 billion, with infrastructure failures leading to 5,400 clinical incidents in 2023-2024.

The government has allocated £1 billion for urgent repairs, including £102 million for GP surgeries.

The New Hospital Programme, with a £15 billion budget, aims to modernise NHS buildings.

NHS SBS stated that the framework enables faster procurement of compliance services, including fire safety, asbestos management, and legionella treatment, supporting regulatory adherence and reducing operational risks.