Medical gases are vital for patient care and system resilience, supporting hospitals, ambulance services, treatment centres, GP surgeries, and dental practices. Industrial gases play an equally important role in wider public sector operations, including emergency services.
For the NHS, medical gas cylinders give patients access to oxygen treatment in areas that don’t have piped oxygen, both in their home and at hospital. During periods of high demand, such as winter when respiratory conditions surge, the need for these cylinders increases significantly. Without adequate supply, patient care is impacted and treatment that could be delivered in patients’ homes may need to take place in hospital.
For the fire and rescue service, industrial gases are critical for breathing apparatus, cutting, rescue operations, and training. Without these, firefighters are unable to safely enter smoke-filled environments and rescue operations slow down – having access to compliant gases is vital.
Our Medical and Industrial Gases (Including Cylinders and Bulk Liquid Oxygen) Framework Agreement, procured under the Procurement Act 2023, offers a comprehensive, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for the NHS and wider public sector. It covers advanced cylinder tracking systems, installation of vacuum insulated evaporators (VIE), and back-up facilities (including rental and maintenance), full installation and maintenance of VIE tanks, plus industrial gases. The innovative products and services aim to reduce environmental impact, including nitrous oxide destruction units and digital gas delivery systems to help achieve Net Zero targets.
All suppliers comply with the British Compressed Gas Association Code of Practice (CPS) and Department of Health/MHRA medical devices regulations. To ensure patient safety, suppliers follow strict cleaning and disinfection procedures for cylinders, valves, and regulators, in line with MHRA DB 2006(05) Managing Medical Devices.
Framework Agreement Information
The Medical and Industrial Gases (Including Cylinders and Bulk Liquid Oxygen) Framework Agreement supports the demand for medical and industrial gases.
What dates is the framework agreement active?
14 January 2026 – 13 January 2030
Who can take advantage of the framework agreement?
All NHS and wider public sector organisations across the United Kingdom
How was the framework agreement procured?
Further competition and direct award
There are two procurement routes for an approved organisation that wishes to use this framework agreement. A competitive process between the suppliers in the relevant Lot, which may be preceded by a capability assessment, or an award without a competitive process to particular supplier(s)
A competitive selection process is the default ordering procedure under this framework agreement.
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)
The framework agreement has been structured into the following lots:
What are the benefits of using this framework agreement?
ENHANCES SAFETY
Provides the medical cylinders that ensure continuity of care in ambulances, GP surgeries, dental practices, and temporary facilities. This continuity of supply directly contributes to improved patient outcomes, enhanced safety, and greater resilience in healthcare delivery.
NET ZERO
Supports customers in achieving their net zero targets, whilst further supporting wider carbon reduction initiatives.
MARKET LEADING SUPPLIERS
Contains all market leading suppliers in one place, offering a wider variety of products and services for customers and more competitive pricing.
WIDER PUBLIC SECTOR SUPPORT
Supports wider public sector organisations via the inclusion of industrial gases lot and separate commercial schedules.
CUTTING-EDGE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Includes nitrous oxide destruction units and digital gas delivery systems, which play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of medical and industrial gases.
MEDICAL GASES IN CYLINDERS
Features advanced tracking systems, plus installation and maintenance of vacuum insulated evaporators (VIE) and back-up facilities. These solutions ensure patients can access oxygen treatment in areas without piped oxygen, whether at home or in hospital.
Supplier Details
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.
