NHS Essex is responsible for buying a wide range of goods and services that support the delivery of healthcare across Essex. This includes both clinical services for patients and non-clinical services that help the NHS operate effectively.
Our Procurement and Contracting Policy explains how we make decisions about purchasing goods and services and selecting providers. It ensures that all procurement activities are carried out fairly, transparently and in line with UK legislation.
The policy is designed to help us:
- achieve value for money and make the best use of public funds
- deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of local people
- support social value, including reducing health inequalities and improving sustainability
- ensure procurement decisions are fair, transparent and accountable
- promote competition where appropriate while supporting collaboration across health and care services
- comply with national procurement and healthcare legislation
When procuring healthcare services, NHS Essex follows the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), which helps ensure decisions are made in the best interests of patients and support high-quality, integrated care. For non-healthcare goods and services, we follow the Procurement Act 2023 and related regulations.
The policy also sets out how we manage conflicts of interest, engage with stakeholders, involve patients and communities where appropriate, and maintain transparency throughout the procurement process.
You can read the full Procurement and Contracting Policy below.