The NHS is under increasing pressure to deliver faster, more efficient care – and AI is emerging as a key enabler. But adopting AI at scale requires more than innovation; it demands clear procurement pathways, governance, and infrastructure.

When in use, AI has the potential to transform NHS patient care, speeding up diagnosis and treatment times by ensuring that expert clinical resource is targeted where it has the greatest impact for the patient.

The Healthcare AI Solutions Framework Agreement aims to provide NHS organisations with a national procurement route for AI technologies spanning diagnostics, predictive analytics, operational efficiency, robotics and consultancy services.

Running from 12 May 2027 to 11 May 2035, Healthcare AI Solutions, worth £750m plus VAT, is intended to support the efficient, legally compliant, and scalable procurement of AI technologies.

It will focus on the application of AI in different specialities by providing new efficient ways to prevent, diagnose, treat illness and optimise clinical workflow.

Webinar with UKHLSI and UKAI
To support suppliers with the tendering process, UK Healthcare and Life Sciences Innovation (UKHLSI), a healthcare innovation network, hosted a webinar in partnership with NHS SBS and UK AI (the trade association for the UK’s AI industry) on 17 June to provide specialist guidance on procurement.

Chaired by UKHLSI Chief Executive Joanne Bekis, the session featured contributions from UK AI’s Tim Flagg, alongside NHS SBS representatives Paddy Howlin, Procurement Solutions Director, and James Gee, Head of Category for Digital and IT.

The webinar offered practical insight into how industry stakeholders can best engage with the framework agreement, covering topics including:

• Bidding requirements
• Accreditation standards
• Consortium arrangements
• Future opportunities for market participation.

It also provided suppliers with an opportunity to raise questions directly with NHS SBS officials and seek clarification on key aspects of the procurement process.