National Framework Agreement for Radiology Capacity Management Services
Framework Description
F/026 Radiology Capacity Management Services is a single-lot national framework hosted by Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's Commercial Procurement Services. Trusts call on it for extra radiology reporting and imaging capacity when demand outstrips staff, helping cut waiting times. It started on 22 January 2024 and ends on 21 January 2027, with an option to extend for a further year.
Context & Use Case
NHS trusts use F/026 when reporting demand exceeds in-house capacity. They can call off routine, urgent and backlog reporting without running a separate procurement for each engagement. The framework also covers insourced and outsourced imaging, plus specialist and sub-specialty reporting where trusts lack radiologists. Work can be insourced to trust sites or reported remotely.
Scope of Services
Managed radiology reporting capacity Insourcing and outsourcing of imaging services Backlog clearance and demand management Specialist and sub-specialty reporting Flexible scheduling and workflow integration
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits teleradiology and reporting companies, insourcing teams and specialist reporting services with consultant-led governance. F/026 is closed to new applications. COCH also runs a newer radiology capacity framework under the Provider Selection Regime, F/099, which runs to 31 August 2029.
Buyer Benefits
Trusts need quick, compliant access to reporting capacity to meet diagnostic targets. F/026 gives them a call-off route without repeated tenders. Buyers value consultant-led governance, fast turnaround, sub-specialty expertise and integration with their imaging systems. They also value flexible capacity that can scale for backlog clearance and winter peaks without long notice.
Next Steps
Providers already on F/026 should win what call-offs they can before it ends. Others should look at F/099 Radiology Capacity Management Solutions (PSR) on COCH Commercial Procurement Services' healthcare frameworks page and check how providers get on it. Have turnaround data, sub-specialty cover and governance evidence ready for either route.
How Athena Can Help
With F/026 due to end in January 2027, radiology providers need a plan for what comes next. Athena's framework transition planning identifies other routes, such as F/099, and prepares your applications.
Our bid support for radiology providers helps you present turnaround, governance and sub-specialty cover, and our help bidding for NHS diagnostics covers pricing per report and per session. We can also check your governance evidence before any application, and help you plan how to keep F/026 work flowing until the end date.
