As reported by Digital Health, a new national purchasing system worth £900 million is set to open the door for wider use of artificial intelligence across NHS services in England
Published on 11 May 2026, the ‘Healthcare AI Solutions’ framework establishes a long-term procurement route for NHS organisations to access a broad range of AI-enabled technologies and services, from diagnostics and predictive modelling to robotics and operational support.
The framework, which will operate from May 2027 to May 2035, is intended to streamline how the health service buys and deploys digital tools. Tender documents describe it as a way to ensure procurement is “efficient, legally compliant, and scalable” across the NHS.
It is organised into eight separate strands covering areas including medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, preventative care, virtual and robotic health solutions, data-driven forecasting tools, research and innovation, service efficiency systems and combined end-to-end packages.
Officials say the aim is to support the “transformative potential of AI” in healthcare, particularly in improving diagnosis, supporting clinicians in decision-making and reducing administrative pressures on services.
The framework is also designed to be accessible to a wide range of suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside larger technology firms and consultancy providers.
Once in place, NHS organisations will be able to award contracts either through direct award or competitive mini-tender processes, depending on their needs.
Suppliers have until 23 June 2026 to submit bids, with contract awards expected to be finalised in March 2027.
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