New Asset Utilisation framework launched

NHS LPP has launched its new Asset Utilisation framework to help NHS trusts make better use of clinical equipment.

This new Asset Utilisation framework, provides NHS trusts with a compliant route to cloud-based solutions that can help improve visibility of clinical equipment, make better use of existing assets and support more informed capital planning decisions.

The framework gives NHS and wider public sector organisations access to asset utilisation platforms and associated implementation and support services, enabling them to procure solutions that help track, manage and optimise clinical equipment across departments and sites.

For many NHS organisations, clinical equipment represents a significant investment. Without clear visibility of where equipment is, how it is being used and when it requires maintenance, there can be a risk of underused assets, avoidable delays and unnecessary expenditure.

The Asset Utilisation framework has been developed to help trusts address these challenges by providing access to solutions that may support:

• improved visibility of clinical equipment across departments and sites
• reduced time spent locating urgently needed assets
• better equipment availability
• more effective sharing and reallocation of equipment
• stronger maintenance and lifecycle oversight
• more informed capital planning and future investment decisions

The framework specification highlights a number of intended outcomes, including improving asset utilisation, supporting long-term asset management and helping trusts make more evidence-based investment decisions.

Designed to work with NHS systems

Interoperability is a key requirement of the framework. Suppliers have been briefed on the importance of ensuring their solutions can work effectively with existing and future NHS systems, helping trusts avoid operational silos and make better use of current digital infrastructure.

This includes supporting integration with systems such as electronic patient record (EPR) systems, equipment management/CMMS systems, and wider NHS barcode, tracking and interoperability requirements where appropriate. The framework source material also makes clear that interoperability and alignment with NHS systems and standards are central to its intended design.

Relevant to a range of NHS trust stakeholders

The Asset Utilisation framework is likely to be relevant to a range of teams across an NHS trust, including procurement and commercial teams, estates and facilities teams, clinical engineering/medical equipment management teams, digital and operational leads, and finance managers or directors.

It may be particularly useful for teams involved in sourcing, managing, maintaining or planning investment in clinical equipment, as well as those looking to improve visibility, utilisation and value from existing assets.

Findings from South West London usage

The development of this framework follows positive early learning from asset utilisation work within South West London, where improved visibility of clinical equipment usage supported data-driven discussions around capital planning, operational flow and opportunities for better equipment deployment.

Parminder Bilkhu, General Manager of Clinical Engineering and Technical Services, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, said: “The Asset Utilisation framework has been developed to help NHS trusts gain better visibility of their clinical equipment and make better-informed decisions about how those assets are used, maintained and planned for. By supporting improved operational efficiency and more evidence-based capital planning, the framework offers a practical route to help organisations get more value from the equipment they already own.”

Find out more

To find out more about the Asset Utilisation framework and how it could support your organisation:

• View the interactive flyer
• visit the dedicated web page
• Complete an access agreement request online
• Get in touch with our Digital and Technology Solutions team at cds@nhs.net