NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has published an updated version of its modular building framework, to ‘meet the urgent needs’ of the NHS and other public services.
The framework agreement, active from 12 June 2025 to 11 June 2029, will enable NHS organisations who wish to purchase, hire or lease a modular building access to various solutions from pre-vetted vendors.
Modular buildings are constructed offsite in a factory environment which enables them to be build more quickly and sustainably, and can be more cost effective, according to NHS SBS.
The framework said: ‘If you need to mobilise a temporary or permanent building quickly and efficiently, modular builds offer a cost-effective, versatile alternative to traditional builds with a smaller environmental impact.
‘With a 50% reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and efficiency gains through time and cost savings, modular buildings support you to deliver the government’s construction and industry strategy targets and meet sustainability targets.’
It added that they can be easily expanded, reduced, relocated or reconfigured as required.
‘Offsite construction reduces disruption, so your services can run uninterrupted while the build takes place, improving end-user experience and reducing downtime,’ it said.
Kat Jackson, principal category manager at NHS SBS, said: ‘NHS SBS’s Modular Buildings 3 framework agreement offers an opportunity to fast-track the construction of homes, schools, and NHS facilities, aligning with the government’s commitment outlined in the recent spending review to tackle the housing crisis, modernise healthcare infrastructure and improve education environments.
‘The framework facilitates rapid access to and delivery of essential infrastructure, enabling all public sector organisations to compliantly procure modular solutions from reputable suppliers.’
It comes as the Chancellor’s spending review last week announced a £2.3bn real terms increase in the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) annual capital budgets from 2023/24 to 2029/30, which would include money for new technology, primary care and hospitals.
In May, the GP practices receiving part of a £100m estates fund was revealed, with Greater Manchester having the highest number of GP practices with access to the fund.
