Pressure Area Care and Patient Handling

This framework starts on 9 March 2026, runs for 24 months and ends on 8 March 2028. There is an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

There are 53 suppliers, including 10 new suppliers, on the framework offering an extended product range with more choice to customers. See the Suppliers section for a full list of suppliers on this framework.

Areas covered

There are three lots on this framework (see Product Categories section for a full list). 

See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing and supplier 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 including ensuring suppliers hold more stock in UK warehouses and providing forward trackers so that suppliers can build up contingency stock in the event of a supply disruption.

How to purchase from the framework

Products available via our Stocked and eDirect supply routes can be purchased using our online catalogue or through your own purchase-to-pay system.

Beds, mattresses and ceiling hoist systems will be available to purchase via our Direct route. You will be issued a Unique Reference Number (URN) to enable you to purchase directly with awarded suppliers .

Important notice – for stocked products only.

Following the move to Buy Price = Sell Price, new contract / framework prices will only come into effect when stock of all product at the old contract / framework price has been depleted.

To order products via direct:

• Customers will need to obtain a quotation through our Category team to benefit from National Framework Agreement Pricing. Please quote the framework reference number when contacting your preferred supplier to ensure the correct pricing and compliance.
• Our Category team will then provide you with a Unique Reference Number (URN). This URN must be detailed on your purchase order to order the required equipment.
• Customers have two options to procure equipment via the framework. Trusts can either direct award if internal Standard Financial Instructions (SFIs) are followed or carry out a pricing exercise via the framework which will be managed by our Category team. Both options require trusts to request URN numbers from the Category team.
• See our Downloads ▼ section for contact information for direct suppliers on this framework agreement and to view our Pressure Area Care and Patient Handling Buying Guide .

Ordering samples

Product samples are available from some of the suppliers on the framework.

Please note that the decision to supply samples, along with the unit of issue, supplied quantity, time to supply and free of charge nature of any request, is solely the decision of the relevant supplier(s).

Requests for samples should initially be discussed with your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager. They will then work with you and the respective supplier(s) to agree requests and order on your behalf.

Product switching will be available following the start of the framework. Analysis will take place to highlight cost effective alternatives and identify switch and rationalisation opportunities. If you are interested in further information about product switching, please speak to your ICS or Community Engagement Manager.

The framework provides National Pricing Matrices (NPMs) which allow you to benefit from a discounted pricing structure from a supplier in return for either a value or volume commitment, for an agreed period. This particularly allows savings opportunities for customers who can consolidate their purchasing.

The suppliers offering an NPM are:

• GBUK
• Lisclare
• Etac

If you are interested, please speak to your NHS Supply Chain ICS or Community Engagement Manager

See our Downloads ▼ section for details of the NPMs.

See our Useful Links section for your ICS Manager and Community Engagement Manager contact details.

The framework can support mini competitions for Managed Services. If you are interested in further information, please contact Val Robson and Natalia Armusiewicz by emailing

When purchasing from this framework you may be able to take advantage of additional savings opportunities through:

• Volume banding

See our Useful Links section to find out more about these opportunities.

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.

Social value

See our Downloads ▼ section for further information on suppliers’ social value commitments.

Sustainable opportunities

The following sustainable opportunities are available on this framework:

Features Capture Form – All suppliers are required to complete our Features Capture Form to provide information about disposal arrangements and to outline if products can be refurbished or remanufactured.

Slide Sheet Rationalisation – Analysis indicated significant size variation in flat and tubular slide sheets being purchased through our catalogue.

After engaging with clinicians and suppliers across the NHS to understand which sizes are vital for patient care, we found the essential requirements are for the slide sheets to cover the full length and width of the mattress, including an option for when the bed is extended. This ensures the patient is fully supported and protected from pressure or friction injuries.

Our engagement showed that differences in product sizes were mostly due to personal clinical preference rather than a specific clinical need.

Based on this analysis and feedback, we are reducing the range of flat and tubular slide sheet sizes available through our catalogue to the following sizes:

• 200 x 100 cm
• 200 x 140 cm
• 220 x 100 cm
• 220 x 140 cm
• equal to or less than 100 x 100 cm

Product features which will remain available to meet local preference are:

• With and without handles
• Single sheets, double sheet packs with bags and tubular variants
• Reusable/washable, single patient use and single use/disposable
• Hemmed and unhemmed

See our Useful Links section for information to support clinical decision making related to this framework.

This includes an ICS wide slide sheet standardisation case study and late-stage assessments from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) into slide sheets and bed frames.

1,421 products are being delisted, 610 of these have an identified alternative. Many of the delists are for items which are moving from catalogue items to direct purchase.

See our Downloads ▼ section to view the full list of delisted products and details of the alternatives available.

There are 53 suppliers on this framework. They are:

• Algeo Ltd
• Accora Ltd
• Agile Medical Ltd
• AHT Apollo Healthcare Technologies Ltd
• ARJO UK Ltd
• BES Healthcare Ltd
• Central Medical Supplies Ltd (CMS)
• CJ Medical Ltd
• Croyde Medical Ltd
• Delta Surgical Ltd
• Direct Healthcare Group
• Direct Manufacturing Limited
• Drive Devilbiss Healthcare Ltd
• Etac Limited
• Fannin UK Ltd*
• Felgains
• Frontier Therapeutics
• GBUK Healthcare
• Harvest Healthcare
• HCE UK (Health-Care Equipment & Supplies) Ltd
• Hillrom UK
• Hospital Direct
• Howard Wright Europe Ltd
• Inspire Community Trust
• Interweave Textiles
• Invacare UK Ltd
• IQ Medical Limited
• Linet UK
• Lisclare Ltd
• Live By Lulu Limited, trading as Caversham Health, (parent company Magicdust Holdings)
• Mediplinth Equipment Ltd
• Medline Industries Ltd
• Medserve (Southwest) Ltd
• Medstrom Ltd
• MIP UK Ltd
• Molnlycke Health Care Ltd
• Montcalm International Ltd
• OSKA Care Ltd
• Peacocks Medical Group Ltd
• Performance Health
• Prism UK Medical Limited
• Promedics Orthopaedic Ltd
• ProSys International Ltd
• Renray Healthcare Ltd
• Select Health Care (UK) Ltd
• Silvalea Ltd (Savaria, trading as Silvalea Ltd)
• STERIS Solutions Limited
• Stryker UK Ltd
• TALARMADE LTD
• Ultimate Healthcare Ltd (Millbrook, trading as Ultimate)
• V.Guldmann A/S
• Wealden Rehab Ltd
• Winncare PAC Ltd.

Iskus Health Ltd, a supplier originally awarded to the new framework, has been taken over by Fannin UK Ltd. Products previously sold by Iskus Health will now be provided by Fannin UK Ltd instead.

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

• Cantel UK Limited (now Steris)
• Carilex Medical
• E&E Medical Supplies Limited
• Formalign
• Gainsborough Healthcare Group Limited
• H&R Healthcare Ltd (now Mediq)
• Joerns/Oxford
• Premiere Healthcare Limited
• Reval Continuing Care Ltd
• Rexyn Ltd
• Scan Mobility Limited
• Select Medical
• Sumed International (UK) Ltd (now DHG)
• Talley Group Ltd
• The Helping Hand Company Limited
• TR Equipment Limited
• V-M Orthotics (changed to Darco)
• Wellell UK Limited.

There is an extensive product list from a wide range of suppliers in the market. 982 new products have been added and these are highlighted in the product listing.

There are three lots on this framework:

• Lot 1: Beds, mattresses, pressure reducing products and manual handling equipment and associated products.
• Lot 2: Managed service for beds, mattresses, and associated products
• Lot 3: Rental and decontamination

See our Downloads ▼ section for the Framework Matrices which includes a full product listing, and details of delisted lines and alternative products.

About the products

Beds, mattresses and cushions are an essential part of patient care in a hospital ward and community settings, providing pressure care management.

Patient handling equipment, such as slings, hoists and slide sheets, are used by nurses and healthcare assistants to safely move or lift patients in wards and in theatres.

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 Acute team and Out of Hospital Care team – 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.