ESPO launches document scanning framework to help the NHS become paperless

ESPO has launched a new Electronic Document Scanning Solutions framework in a bid to help the NHS in its mission to become paperless by 2018.

ESPO has launched this framework to offer a quick, simple and competitive route to procuring document scanning solutions. Its launch comes as the demand for these services from NHS trusts increases to meet the deadline set by Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, in 2013 to digitise all patient records.

Ultimately, the aim of this initiative is for all patients to have compatible digital records so that this information can follow them around the health and social care system. It is expected that this move has the potential to save the NHS billions by speeding up processes as healthcare professionals will, for the first time, have the ability to view and share essential care history at the touch of a button.

ESPO’s framework offers access to established suppliers, offering NHS customers a wide range of services including the scanning, storing or disposal of documents and the supply of software and consultancy services. All suppliers on the framework have been vetted and carefully selected by ESPO to comply with a range of accreditations, standards and legislation and offer their services at best value.

Nasir Makda, category manager in ESPO’s buildings and facilities management team, said: “The NHS is currently facing the enormous challenge of digitising all patient records within a set timeframe.

“Different NHS organisations have varying requirements when it comes to the digitising of documents. Some will have a need for legacy documents to be bulk scanned whereas A&E departments require SLAs to ensure patient records are scanned and returned to them within a quick timeframe.

“Resource and time-strapped NHS departments also have their own budgets for the digitisation of documents, so it is our aim to make the process of procuring these services as easy as possible. Use of this framework means that healthcare organisations do not have to go through the full OJEU tendering process, helping to reduce the time and costs associated with tendering for these types of services directly.”

The framework is split into four lots:

• Lot 1 – Total document scanning solutions (including software) – full end-to-end solution including consultancy, scanning, storage and destruction of documents, supply and support of Electronic Data & Records Management (ERDM) software
• Lot 2 – Document scanning solutions (no software) – consulting, scanning of documents (on or off site), indexing, archiving and disposal of documents
• Lot 3 – EDRM software solutions – supply, support and maintenance
• Lot 4 – Independent consultancy – audit/consultancy service to determine the best options for document management

With over 30 years’ experience in public sector procurement, ESPO has specialist buying teams with expertise in providing high-quality procurement solutions to the public sector on a nationwide basis. It works with a strong and varied supply chain to deliver best-value procurement solutions.