National Framework Agreement for Secure Patient Transport Services
Framework Description
F/094 is a national multi-supplier framework for secure patient transport, set up under the Provider Selection Regime by Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. It focuses on transport for mental health patients and patients with special needs, across the UK. Its term runs until 11 November 2027. Several providers are appointed so trusts have cover nationally.
Context & Use Case
NHS mental health trusts and acute providers use F/094 to move patients who need a secure environment, including people detained under the Mental Health Act, inter-hospital transfers and patients needing enhanced observation. Transfers can be local or long-distance and cross-border, and may need crews trained in physical intervention. Crews must also manage risk to patients, staff and the public.
Scope of Services
Secure mental health patient transport Section 136 and Section 2/3 patient transfers Specialist and bariatric patient transport Long-distance and cross-border transfers Trained escort and physical intervention capability
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits secure patient transport providers with trained crews, specialist vehicles and clinical governance. Expect to evidence conflict resolution and physical intervention training and a DBS-checked workforce. Whether new providers can join depends on COCH CPS opening an access window before 11 November 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Moving vulnerable patients safely and with dignity is a high-risk task for trusts. F/094 gives them pre-qualified providers and a compliant Provider Selection Regime route. Buyers value safety records, trained crews, quick response, suitable vehicles and clear incident reporting. Dignity and patient experience also count.
Next Steps
Contact COCH Commercial Procurement Services via its healthcare frameworks page about the current access window. Prepare training records, vehicle specifications, governance evidence and safety data. As F/094 ends on 11 November 2027, also plan for its successor. Have your incident data and governance policies ready to share.
How Athena Can Help
Secure transport bids must show safety and dignity in practice. Athena's bid response writing helps you set out crew training, vehicles and incident management clearly.
Our framework and DPS applications support covers F/094 and its successor, and our public sector bid help covers pricing for long-distance and short-notice transfers, where costs can vary widely between jobs. We can also compliance-check training and DBS evidence before you submit, and help you set out response times and crew availability.
