The NHS will save over £200 million in procurement costs as its new Procure21+ framework kicks in.

The framework will help upgrade hospitals more quickly and simplify the process for NHS Trusts when procuring a construction company to carry out hospital refurbishments or new builds.

Six companies have already been approved for the new system: Balfour Beatty; Healthcare Partnership Solution; Integrated Health Projects; Interserve; Kier Regional and Willmott Dixon.

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This will build on the existing Procure 21 framework, which, although voluntary, has become the most popular procurement route for NHS capital schemes and has delivered successful projects, with a value of almost £2 billion.

Health Minister Simon Burns said: "The benefits of Procure 21+ are clear – a streamlined system will mean that NHS organisations will be able to concentrate on delivering patient care and improving outcomes.

"The new system will cut bureaucratic waste and allow the NHS to reinvest savings directly into services for patients.

"Hospital refurbishments under this system will be quicker and more cost effective, ensuring that patients receive their treatment in a clean, safe and efficient environment – as they would expect."

Under the new framework, work can start on projects within six weeks, saving the NHS at least six months in the pre-construction period.

(CD/BMcC)