The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has produced a new report analysing product spend within the NHS Supply Chain Framework for Artificial Limb Components and Associated Products. This information is exclusively available to BHTA members.

The report has been made possible through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the BHTA to NHS Supply Chain, giving members valuable visibility into NHS procurement activity that is not routinely available.

Covering the period 23 November 2024 to 21 November 2025, the report provides an overview of product spend, usage, monthly activity, and purchasing patterns across the prosthetics framework.

The findings offer members a useful opportunity to better understand procurement trends and market dynamics within the prosthetics sector, supporting informed strategic decision-making.

Members of the Prosthetics and Orthotic Section can download the full report here.

BHTA members working within the community equipment and assistive technology sectors may be interested in a new tender opportunity from Birmingham City Council for the provision of a Birmingham Community Equipment Loan Service. The contract aims to support Birmingham people to live independently and enable Health and Social Care Services to function effectively and without delay.

Contract overview

Birmingham City Council, in partnership with the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB), is inviting tenders from qualified organisations to deliver a citywide community equipment loan service. The successful provider will be responsible for supplying, maintaining, and managing community equipment that helps individuals live safely and independently at home.

The service is designed to prevent people from developing more complex needs and to protect them and their carers from harm or injury. This tender represents a significant opportunity for providers specialising in the supply, repair, and maintenance of assistive and healthcare equipment. The contract will be awarded to a single provider, responsible for overseeing the full delivery of the service across Birmingham.

Key details

• Contract reference: P2288
• Estimated total value: £95,000,000 (excluding VAT)
• Contract duration: 5 years (from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032), with an optional extension of up to 5 additional years subject to performance and funding.
• Procurement procedure: Open procedure
• Contract award: Expected 26 May 2026

Potential future modifications to the contract may include the integration of:

• Dynamic pressure mattresses (DPM) – estimated value up to £1m per annum
• Solihull community equipment loan service – estimated value £1.9m per annum
• Birmingham technology enabled care – estimated value £3.8m per annum

Together, these identified potential modifications could total up to £67 million over the contract term.

Award criteria

The tender evaluation will be based on a total weighting of 100 percent, split as follows:

• Quality criteria: 60 percent
• Social value: 10 percent
• Price: 30 percent

Full details of the evaluation methodology and submission requirements can be found in the tender documentation available through the e-tendering system.

Submission information

Interested organisations must register and submit their applications via Birmingham City Council’s e-tendering system.

• Enquiry deadline: 12pm on 6 February 2026
• Tender submission deadline: 12pm on 18 February 2026

Suppliers are advised to complete and return Appendix 3 – TUPE Confidentiality Agreement promptly to access relevant employee transfer information.

For assistance with the In-Tend platform, contact: etendering@birmingham.gov.uk.