In November 2023, the NHS in England performed 3.79 million imaging tests, including 1.79 million X-rays, 0.91 million ultrasounds, 0.61 million CT scans, and 0.35 million MRIs. This figure has risen from January 2023, where the NHS in England performed 3.41 million imaging tests.
With the continued growth in the number of imaging tests required, and elective recovery at the forefront, it’s important for doctors to be able to diagnose patients quickly and efficiently.
Contrast media, also known as contrast agents, help the NHS by improving the quality of diagnostic images by distinguishing selected areas of the body from surrounding tissue, which helps doctors diagnose medical conditions and plan treatments.
To provide a broad scope for the NHS, our Contrast Media including Injectors and Associated Products Framework Agreement covers ionic iodine and non-ionic iodine for use in radiology, MRI, CT scans and x-rays.
Framework Agreement Information
The framework agreement provides a comprehensive range of contrast media products including injectors and associated products for use in improving pictures of the inside of the body during medical imaging.
What dates is the framework agreement active?
25 March 2024 – 24 March 2028
Who can take advantage of the framework agreement?
All NHS organisations across the United Kingdom
How was the framework agreement procured?
Further competition and direct award
Via this framework agreement, you can run a further competition, or choose to direct award to a supplier in compliance with Regulation 33 of the Public Contracts Regulations.
How we can support?
We offer different levels of support, including SME advice and robust templates for you to easily run your own process, or additional support to design and run a further competition on your behalf.
How can I access the framework agreement?
Access framework agreement documentation via our Customer Framework Agreement Portal (CFAP)
What are the benefits of using this framework agreement?
SUPPORTS EARLY DIAGNOSIS
Supports healthcare professionals to better diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions by showing small lesions or subtle changes in tissue, aiding in early diagnosis.
NON-INVASIVE METHOD
Provides a non-invasive method of visualising internal structures, reducing the need for exploratory surgery or biopsy in some cases, saving both time and money.
SUPPORTS INNOVATION
Appointed suppliers can bring forward new products throughout the life of the framework agreement to ensure customers can access the latest products needed to support effective diagnosis for patients.
SUPPORTS NET ZERO TARGETS
Recycling of iodine and consumables is possible with certain suppliers and products on the framework agreement, helping to support net zero targets.
ROBUST CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Raw material prices are carefully monitored to ensure that price increases are negotiated and only passed on to customers where completely necessary.
FURTHER COMPETITION AND DIRECT AWARD
Contracting authorities can run a further competition under the framework agreement to increase value or direct award gives freedom and flexibility for all customers to direct award to their preferred supplier(s).
Supplier Details
Find out what the press had to say about the framework agreement
Health Business
NHS SBS rolls out updated Contrast Media framework
Health Tech Digital
£70m Contrast Media Framework Agreement open to the NHS
Hospital Times
£70m contrast media framework agreement opens to the NHS
Strategic Procurement Support
If this framework agreement doesn’t cover the goods or services you require, or a framework agreement isn’t the optimal route to market for your needs, we can provide tailored strategic procurement support. Find out more here.
