To address fire safety and compliance challenges in healthcare facilities, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a new Building Safety and Fire Compliance framework. This initiative provides NHS trusts and public sector bodies with a structured approach to fire safety, ensuring their estates meet essential regulatory standards.

With many healthcare buildings struggling with outdated infrastructure and increasing maintenance backlogs, the framework delivers a comprehensive compliance solution. It includes active and passive fire protection, fire risk assessments, and expert consultancy services helping organisations mitigate legal, operational, and reputational risks.

Brendan Griffin-Ryan, Senior Category Manager at NHS SBS, emphasised the urgency of prioritising fire safety:

“The increased emphasis on fire safety brought about by the dreadful Grenfell Tower disaster has shown that some NHS buildings fail to meet modern safety standards and underscores why fire safety compliance and protocols are paramount…

“The NHS must prioritise fire safety to prevent incidents similar to Grenfell from occurring in healthcare settings, where the impact could be catastrophic.

Our framework agreement provides the NHS with a comprehensive range of services. It aligns with key health and safety regulations, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to all compliance in critical areas like fire safety, water treatment, and asbestos management, crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of NHS buildings, protecting patients, staff, and visitors.”

Addressing the NHS Maintenance Challenge

NHS England estimates that eliminating the current NHS maintenance backlog will require £13.8 billion, exceeding the £13.6 billion total cost of running the NHS estate annually. A report from the National Audit Office revealed 5,400 clinical incidents in 2023-2024 linked to infrastructure failures, including fire hazards, electrical malfunctions, floods, and exposure to hazardous materials.

In response to these issues, the government has allocated £1 billion for critical repairs and improvements, including £102 million for the first phase of GP surgery upgrades. Additionally, the £15 billion New Hospital Programme is set to modernise NHS facilities over multiple phases.

The NHS SBS framework is designed to support procurement teams in securing specialist fire safety and compliance services quickly and efficiently. With access to vetted suppliers offering expertise in fire protection, asbestos management, legionella treatment, and authorising engineering, NHS estates can implement vital safety improvements with confidence. By streamlining procurement processes and offering a diverse supplier base, including multinational firms and regional SMEs, the framework ensures that healthcare facilities can meet stringent fire safety requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.

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