National Framework Agreement for Insourced and Outsourced Clinical Services
Framework Description
F/098 is a national framework for insourced and outsourced clinical services, set up under the Provider Selection Regime by Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. It lets NHS organisations add clinical capacity, either by bringing teams into NHS facilities or by sending patients to independent sector sites. Its term ends on 31 August 2029.
Context & Use Case
NHS trusts use F/098 mainly to clear backlogs and manage demand. Insourcing providers run extra clinics or theatre lists in NHS facilities, while outsourcing providers deliver diagnostics or surgery in independent sector facilities. Trusts can also buy specialist and sub-specialty cover where they lack in-house expertise, adding capacity without recruiting permanent staff.
Scope of Services
Insourced consultant-led clinics Insourced theatre lists and surgical capacity Outsourced diagnostic and surgical services Specialist and sub-specialty cover Backlog clearance and demand management
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits insourcing companies, independent sector hospitals and specialist capacity providers with consultant-led clinical teams. COCH CPS states that new providers can join F/098, so check its healthcare frameworks page for how to apply. Expect to evidence CQC registration where applicable, clinical governance and NHS delivery.
Buyer Benefits
Elective waiting lists remain a top NHS priority. F/098 gives trusts a compliant Provider Selection Regime route to extra capacity, quickly. Buyers value strong clinical governance, consultant-led teams, safe handover of patients, flexible scheduling and clear activity reporting. Speed of mobilisation also matters to trusts facing targets.
Next Steps
Ask COCH Commercial Procurement Services, through its healthcare frameworks page, how new providers join F/098 before it ends on 31 August 2029. Prepare evidence of CQC registration, governance, consultant teams and NHS activity delivered. Identify trusts with backlogs in your specialties, as they are your most likely buyers.
How Athena Can Help
Insourcing and outsourcing competitions turn on capacity, governance and speed. Athena's clinical services bid managers help you set out those strengths clearly, with pricing that stays competitive.
Our framework entry and compliance support prepares your F/098 application, and our advice on bidding under PSR helps you meet the regime's key criteria, including value, quality and access. We can also check CQC and governance evidence before you submit, and help you plan mobilisation answers.
