Wheelchairs, Specialist Seating and Related Services

This framework starts on 9 June 2025, runs for 24 months and ends on 8 June 2027. There is an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

There are 31 suppliers, including 18 new suppliers, on the framework offering an extended product range, innovative products and more choice to customers . See the Suppliers section for a full list of suppliers on this framework.

Areas covered

There are two lots on this framework (see Product Categories section for a full list).
See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing on the Product Matrix.

Resilience

Our increased knowledge of the global manufacturing base following COVID-19 and subsequent global supply challenges, means we are better able to identify potential risks and mitigate them by building resilience into our sourcing strategies.

For this framework we are adopting measures of awarding more suppliers to offer alternative products should the need arise.

How to purchase from the framework

This is a direct framework agreement. To order products:

• You will need a Unique Reference Number (URN), which must be detailed on your purchase order to order the required equipment.
• To obtain an URN please contact the Category team, who will also be able to provide contact information for the suppliers on this framework agreement.

The framework will support trust led mini competitions in Repairs and Maintenance and Fully Managed Services for further savings. If you are interested in further information, please contact

Sustainability, net zero and social value are important elements in how NHS Supply Chain build our framework offering through the procurement process, tendering, supplier award and contract management. There are five mandatory requirements for suppliers to address supporting compliance with relevant PPNs and NHS England policy.

• Carbon Reduction Plan (PPN 006)
• Evergreen Assessment
• Modern Slavery Assessment (PPN 009)
• Social Value (PPN 002)
• NHS England Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and Horizon Scanning.

Awarded suppliers meet the current milestones on the net zero roadmap and have awareness and understanding of future milestones.

Sustainable opportunities

The following sustainable opportunities will be worked on throughout the framework:

As part of Contract Management throughout the framework we will be working with suppliers to collate the products which contain sustainable materials. These will then be captured in the product descriptions on the catalogue.

We will also be continuing discussion with suppliers are part of our supplier meetings in regard to extending the lifecycle of products. We aim to gain enough insight to potentially publish good new stories on any successful trust / supplier successes.

We will be working with a Wheelshare who is offering an innovative solution in regard to wheelchair rentals in trusts and how this can save trusts money in terms of missing wheelchairs. We are hoping that this can be reported and shared as case studies.

The framework has incorporated feedback from a wide range of wheelchair service stakeholders including:

• Trusts in Manchester, Leeds, London, Oxford, Liverpool, Sheffield, North East and Wales
• Wheelchair special interest group sessions hosted by the Wheelchair Alliance
• Wheelchair managers national forum and a smaller working group for specification input.
• NHS England personal wheelchair budgets representatives.
• Suppliers via conferences, trade shows and supplier relationship management meetings.
• British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) and interested parties to provide feedback and input into the framework.

As part of the engagement we added sections for specialist parts and accessories to allow access for SMEs; included power add-on devices which are commissioned in some areas; and plan to capture product features to enable comparison of products from different suppliers.

There are 31 suppliers on this framework. They are:

The following suppliers are being delisted at the start of the framework agreement:

• Nottingham Rehab Limited
• Opcare Ltd
• Southwest Seating and Rehab Ltd
• Specialised Orthotic Services Limited
• Sumed International (UK( Ltd.

See our Downloads ▼ section to view the Product Matrix including supplier details.

There is an extensive product list from a wide range of suppliers in the market including 18 new suppliers.

There are two lots on this framework:

Lot 1: Wheelchairs and Specialist Seating Product:

• Powered Wheelchair
• Manual Wheelchairs
• Specialist Seating Systems and Wheelbase
• Paediatric Buggies
• Spares and Accessories
• Wheelchair Cushions.

Lot 2: Wheelchair Service

• Repairs and Maintenance
• Fully Managed Service
• Wheelchair Loans Service.

See our Downloads ▼ section to view the Product Matrix.

About the products
Products included in this framework are usually ordered by wheelchair centres, accident and emergency departments, physiotherapy and occupational therapy departments and care homes.

Choice

• Leading suppliers on contract – providing enhanced range and value from a single source.

More savings

• Pay less – with NHS Supply Chain you have a wider range of product options so you can select the ones that are fit for purpose and value for money.
• Leave your tendering to us – spend less time and money on tendering and let our procurement specialists undertake it on your behalf.
• Back office savings – the efficiency of our service, ranging from e-ordering to consolidated deliveries, enables significant back office savings.

More value

• An integrated approach – the financial benefits of NHS Supply Chain go beyond just product prices. Our approach is an integrated one that reduces cost throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to global logistics, resulting in a much lower total cost.
• Purchasing through our route – when there are changes in the market, we can help minimise the impact of price rises and give support with cost saving initiatives.

Our knowledge and expertise

• Dedicated Hospital Care and Out of Hospital Care Teams – your day to day contact for all queries. They will help you identify savings opportunities, solve any issues on your behalf and ensure high service levels are always met.
• NHS Supply Chain Buyers – procurement specialists in their product fields who can give expert advice on new and alternative products.
• Implementation Team – experts in helping you set up the new processes and training required when introducing new products.
• Customer Services Team – with the daily support provided by our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors and service managers you know you are in safe hands.
• Customer Assurance – providing customers with the confidence and assurance of products using a process of clinical evaluation and engagement with clinical users. This ensures all products are clinically assured by the CaPA process, supported by engagement with customers.

Peace of mind

• Dependable deliveries – having access to the know-how and resources of one of the world’s largest logistics companies means we can offer unrivalled dependability and responsiveness when it comes to our delivery services.
• Framework agreement – awarded in accordance with UK procurement legislation.
• Sustainability – Sustainable procurement is embedded into our category management processes to ensure that our suppliers meet requirements for carbon reduction plans, evergreen assessment, modern slavery, social value and NHS England net zero supplier roadmap. Additionally, our logistics partner is certified ISO14001.