Medical gases provide crucial care and improve the lives of patients and are used throughout hospitals, ambulance services, treatment centres, GP surgeries, and dental practices.
During periods of extreme pressure, often exacerbated by a surge in respiratory conditions, the demand for cylinders, in particular the small cylinders, increases in the NHS. This is due to the need to provide essential oxygen treatment in areas without access to medical gas pipeline systems.
Our Medical Gases in Cylinders and Bulk Gases Framework Agreement can support the healthcare sector with the provision of medical gases and bulk gases. The suppliers all comply with the British Compressed Gas Association Code of Practice (CPS) and Department of Health/ MHRA medical devices regulations.
To ensure patients are kept safe, the suppliers have in place a system for cleaning and disinfecting cylinders, valves and regulators for both routine purposes and when the cylinder is identified as contaminated; these procedures are in line with MHRA DB 2006(05) Managing Medical Devices.
Framework Agreement Information
The framework agreement provides a competitive route for customers to purchase cylinders containing a variety of medical gases. The facility exists to run further competitions for bulk gases and the provision and installation of the Vacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE) and back-up facility, rental, depreciation and maintenance of the VIE and backup; in addition to the supply of liquid oxygen.
What dates is the framework agreement active?
01 October 2021 – 31 January 2026
Who can take advantage of the framework agreement?
NHS and UK Public Sector organisations
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)
The framework agreement has been structured into the following lot structure.
What are the benefits of using this framework agreement?
COMPLIANT SUPPLIERS
The suppliers all comply with the British Compressed Gas Association Code of Practice (CPS) and Department of Health/ MHRA medical devices regulations.
COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
Supports in the decommissioning of equipment to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
SUPPORTS SURGE CAPACITY
Includes the installation of VIE tanks and manifolds in addition to the supply of medical liquid oxygen/rental of equipment, which supports surge capacity during emergencies (e.g. pandemics or winter pressures) without relying on frequent cylinder deliveries.
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.
WIDE VARIETY OF MEDICAL GASES
Includes a wide range of medical gases in cylinders (e.g. oxygen, nitrous oxide, entonox) for use in areas without pipeline access. “Special” gases can be added to product list as and when required by customers.
ROBUST PRODUCT LIST
Robust product list that supports additions through the life of the framework agreement to ensure the products needed by the customer can be ordered.
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.
