Healthcare Furniture – Frequently Asked Questions
We have identified some commonly asked questions around buying healthcare furniture for NHS settings.
Many of the products on the Healthcare Furniture framework can be tailored to your requirements, getting the specification right at the start is key to a successful implementation. We are able to provide you with a statement of requirement (SOR) for the product you are looking to purchase, this will help you build a specification. Evaluation days are also important as it allows the trust team to see and feel the product and feedback on what they like and don’t like.
There is no legal requirement to purchase through the NHS Supply Chain framework, but these purchases would be considered ‘off contract’. As an NHS trust, you would need to satisfy your local standing financial instructions. Under Public Procurement regulations, this may need to be tendered or you would need to request a quotation. By utilising the NHS Supply Chain framework, you don’t need to go to tender. You will need to ensure you obtain relevant certification as to which EU or British standards the product is tested to. Seek guidance from your fire officer if you need further information on this.
Yes it does, as the framework is a fully compliant process then the tendering requirements have already been met and you can order single items directly, provided the conditions of direct award are met.
In most cases, furniture is made to order and so this makes returning the product difficult. In the first instance, check to see if any other department within your trust can use the product. If you need further assistance, contact your customer service advisor quoting your order number to raise a return query with the supplier.
Contact the team, we can come to you and walk you through what things to think about when looking to standardise. We can also build you a project plan and help you through every stage of the project.
We have an SLA of five working days for suppliers to respond to quotes but if you let us know upfront how quickly you need a turnaround we will try to work to your timeline, however requesting a short lead time may risk not getting quotes from all supplier. The average delivery for products will depend on the product specification and can be between 5 days or 6 weeks as most products are made to order.
Products are covered by a five-year warranty for product performance. This does not cover wear and tear or user damage.
The name otherwise they are the same item.
Bariatric furniture is available via the NHS Supply Chain framework. For more information on the bariatric range available, please email our team at facilitiesandofficesolutionssupport@supplychain.nhs.uk. Please include a brief explanation of the furniture you are looking to source, and we can identify the appropriate suppliers to meet your requirements.
Yes, you can run mini competitions. Talk to your CRM who can put you in touch with the category team at NHS Supply Chain: Hotel Services, We can help you manage a mini competition.
This depends on how much use the furniture will get in its designated location, but we would expect healthcare furniture supplied through the framework to last for five to seven years with routine use.
In the main, medical healthcare furniture is made with extra strength and cleanliness in the design. They tend to be constructed with cleaning in mind from wipe-clean materials or covered with vinyl and waterproof materials allowing the items to be cleaned regularly with cleaning solutions.
Maintenance terms can be agreed with suppliers at the time of purchase, repairs or servicing can be arranged at the point of sale or agreed with in house trust maintenance teams.
As most products are bespoke at the time of order, any modifications can be discussed with the suppliers to try to meet your specific needs. These are not ‘off the shelf ‘ items so we have more flexibility with suppliers when specifying requirements.
Suppliers on the framework have to meet FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure all materials used are responsibly sourced. We also abide by the parameters of the NHS Supply Chain drive for ethical and sustainable sourcing and the rules on labour laws around modern-day slavery. Suppliers also offer a repair, re-use and recycle option on their products.