NHS SBS launches £900m healthcare AI solutions framework
- 19 May 2026
- NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a £900m AI procurement framework for NHS and public sector organisations
- The framework covers diagnostics, predictive analytics, robotics, operational efficiency and consultancy services
- A GP and clinical informatician criticised the framework's high value and called NHS England's spending "out of control"
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a £900m framework agreement designed to support the procurement of AI across the NHS and wider public sector.
The ‘Healthcare AI Solutions’ framework, published on 11 May 2026, will 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, the open framework, worth £900m including VAT, is intended to support the “efficient, legally compliant, and scalable procurement” of AI technologies, according to the tender notice.
It adds that the framework recognises the “transformative potential of AI” in improving diagnostic accuracy, supporting clinical decision-making and streamlining operational processes.
Paddy Howlin, procurement solutions director at NHS SBS, told Digital Health News: “The NHS is aiming to become the first national health system in the world to make routine use of AI and machine learning technologies.
“At NHS SBS, we’re supporting this by establishing a Healthcare AI Solutions framework agreement focusing on the application of AI in different areas of care by providing new efficient ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illness.
“The framework reflects the nature and scope of the NHS lot structure and is strategically aligned with the recommendations both in Lord Darzi’s report and the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan.
“These priorities include tackling misdiagnosis, reducing waiting times for test results and treatment, and minimising administrative inefficiencies.
“We’re proud to be the first framework host to provide this breadth of coverage and strategic focus, making this agreement a unique and essential route to market and enabling NHS organisations to access this life-saving technology swiftly, efficiently and effectively.”
In January 2025, it was reported that NHS SBS was planning the formation of the new framework agreement for AI solutions in healthcare.
The procurement is structured across eight lots covering radiology and diagnostic imaging, pathology and preventative healthcare, virtual and robotic health, predictive analytics, research and innovation, operational efficiency, advisory services and integrated “combined solutions”.
Under the framework rules, suppliers can bid for multiple lots, with organisations successful in two or more lots automatically eligible for Lot 8, which focuses on end-to-end integrated AI offerings.
The tender notice adds that the framework is designed to help approved organisations access “cutting-edge AI solutions that are safe, interoperable, and tailored to meet local and national health priorities”.
The framework will be open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), potentially creating opportunities for specialist healthcare AI suppliers alongside larger technology providers and consultancies.
Approved organisations using the framework will be able to award contracts either through mini-competition or direct award processes.
The tender submission deadline is 23 June 2026, with contract awards expected in March 2027.
Marcus Baw, a GP, clinical safety officer, clinical informatician, and software engineer, has criticised the framework and its high value.
He told Digital Health News: “This is free money for mega corporations at a time when medicine is rapidly becoming an economically unviable occupation, and the NHS is staggering along after catastrophic re-disorganisations. NHSE are out of control with their spending.”
