News

A £3million tender for the provision of communication services to replace out-dated pagers is now open to bidders

Published on: 30/06/2020

A £3million tender for the provision of communication services to replace out-dated pagers is now open to bidders
Funding
Funding news

NHSX revealed it was looking to create a framework for NHS trusts to procure communication services in May.

The tender for a clinical communication tools framework was published last week and is set to close on 6 July. The contract is due to commence on 27 July, 2020 and run until 26 July, 2022, with a potential extension for 12 months.

Prior to the tender being published a notice from NHSX said the Covid-19 pandemic has “accelerated the need to urgently deliver” health secretary Matt Hancock’s plan to phase out pagers by the end of 2021.

“The agreed approach, therefore, needs to ensure that NHS trusts can award contracts to suitably qualified and experienced suppliers who can deliver against this requirement, whilst promoting innovation and delivering against a digital maturity model,” the tender states.

The solutions must enable secure messaging; image sharing; staff directory linked to the NHS.net address book; and calls.

Video calls, patient lists; task management; and electronic patient record integration were listed on the tender as “optional functionality”.

Solutions also have to be compliant with GDPR and UK data protection laws.

It is hoped such tools will “address critical pain points for clinical and/or operational teams” and can be “be downloaded onto mobile devices or tablet device”.

Joost Bruggeman, chief executive of Siilo who has previously spoken of the need to replace pagers, said: “Beyond knowledge and compassion, modern healthcare professionals need to be good communicators to advocate for their patients. But just like the stethoscope can no longer compete with modern imaging diagnostics, so has the pager past its prime compared to messaging apps.

“Maintaining open and up-to-date lines of communication is crucial for hospitals dealing with a growing number of patients under ever-changing circumstances. The spread of coronavirus has made the need for efficient mobile communication even more urgent, so that medical professionals can operate with agility.”

Hancock announced in February 2019 that he was going to war with pagers.

NHS trusts will be required to phase out pagers by the end of 2021, with all hospitals expected to have plans and infrastructure in place to ensure this is possible by the end of September 2020.

Staff are expected use modern alternatives, such as mobile phones and apps, which can deliver more accurate two-way communications at a reduced cost.

NEWS​

Related News

Why HLTH Las Vegas 2025 Is the Strategic Event Healthcare Leaders Can’t Miss

9 Jul 2025
Whether you're seeking sponsorships, partnerships, funding, or a platform to lead the conversation – HLTH 2025 puts you at the center of it all.

From Talk to Action: Global Health Insights from Convergence

9 Jul 2025
What happens when health, finance, science, and digital infrastructure stop working in silos and start solving problems together? Global leaders came ...

June 2025 ECHAlliance Newsletter

8 Jul 2025

New Round Tables announced to drive progress on EHDS and health AI

3 Jul 2025

The European Accessibility Act Is Here. Are You Ready?

2 Jul 2025
Why inclusive design is no longer optional – and how Big Motive can help you lead the way.

DTH-Lab Director: The G7 must act now to address the digital health transformation

2 Jul 2025
As digital platforms increasingly shape health systems and information flows, the G7 must lead in setting global standards to ensure safety, equity an...

Become a member

Join ECHAlliance to amplify your organisation’s message, grow your networks, connect with innovators and collaborate globally.
 
First name *
Last Name *
Email Address *
Country *
Position *
First name *
Last Name *
Email Address *
Country *
Position *