NHS SBS has launched a new framework designed to support Ambulance organisations, NHS hospitals, health centres, nursing homes, and hospices, in delivering reliable non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS).

The ‘Transportation and Travel Services for Health' framework has four lots and enables procurement teams to quickly source and purchase services from pre-approved, quality-assured, and fully compliant providers of specialist patient transport.

Currently, NEPTS facilitate over eleven million patient journeys for individuals who, due to medical conditions or mobility issues, are unable to use public or private transport.

Also in 2024, more than 8 million appointments were missed, costing the NHS around £1.2 billion. Research suggests that up to 50 per cent of Did Not Attend (DNA) cases are linked to transport-related challenges.

The framework covers a range of complex transport needs including neonatal, paediatric, bariatric, palliative and end-of-life care, secure mental health and high dependency transfers, among others.

More than 70 per cent of suppliers are small to medium sized firms.

Ebony Armitage, principal category manager – construction and estates, NHS SBS said: "Access to timely, reliable transport is essential for safe, effective care. Our framework agreement gives healthcare organisations the flexibility to commission specialist transport quickly, enhancing patient safety, reducing delays, and supporting better use of NHS resources.

“By prioritising regional suppliers, reducing carbon footprints – aligning with NHS England’s net zero travel roadmap, including zero-emission vehicles, and rigorous supplier assurance, we’re not just moving patients, we’re moving towards a greener, safer, and more responsive NHS."