National Framework Agreement for the provision of Secure Patient Transport Services

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has reopened applications to its National Framework Agreement for the provision of Secure Patient Transport Services.

The framework supports mental health patient transport requirements and is available for use by Relevant Authorities across England and Wales. It aims to provide secure patient transport services that are safe, timely and responsive to individual patient needs while supporting high-quality care and efficient service delivery.

This procurement represents the second reopening of the framework to new applicants. Existing framework suppliers are not required to reapply.

Service Overview

The appointed suppliers will be expected to:

• Provide secure patient transport services for mental health patients.
• Deliver safe, professional and high-quality transport appropriate to individual patient needs.
• Provide suitable vehicles and appropriately qualified and experienced staff.
• Transport patients safely while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Deliver services in line with industry best practice and NICE guidance.
• Operate an efficient booking system for contracting authorities.
• Provide appropriate documentation and service level reporting.
• Help reduce aborted journeys and empty vehicle movements to support financial and environmental sustainability.

The framework is available to Relevant Authorities as defined under the National Health Service Act 2006 and the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, including NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards, local authorities and other eligible public bodies.

Contract Information

Buyer – Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Deadline – 17 August 2026 – 2:00pm

Contract Value – £25,000,000 excluding VAT

Delivery Length – Framework suppliers appointed through this second reopening may be awarded a framework agreement of up to two years’ duration. The current framework runs until November 2027, with one further 12-month extension available.

Tender Link – Click here

Evaluation Criteria

Price is not the only award criterion. Full evaluation criteria are set out within the procurement documents.

Procurement Information

• Procedure: Open Procedure
• Framework Agreement with several operators
• Electronic tender submission required
• Electronic catalogues accepted
• Electronic auction may be used in further competitions
• Tender submission deadline: 17 August 2026 (2:00pm)
• Tender opening: 18 August 2026 (2:00pm)
• Language for submission: English
• Procurement undertaken under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, extended to include the Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025.

This opportunity provides secure patient transport providers with the opportunity to join a national framework supporting mental health patient transport services for NHS organisations and other eligible public authorities across England and Wales.

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