Framework seeks to reduce £1m annual NHS taxi spend

NHS trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside could save some of the £1m spent annually on taxi fares through a new four-year framework agreement.

Part of the Sustainability Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention initiative, the framework will be used by NHS trusts in the area to purchase taxi services for the needs of staff, patients and/or visitors.

The framework is designed to "standardise and simplify the booking and payment process together with ensuring a minimum standard of quality for service and sustainability supporting the Social Value Act".

The total spend on taxi services at NHS trusts in Merseyside and Cheshire is in the region of £1m a year.

It is anticipated that by correct utilisation of other contracts that this spend will reduce as improper use of taxi companies to transport other goods will be restricted.

The procurement process is being managed on behalf of NHS trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside by Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The four-year contract relates to land transport services including armoured car services, and courier services, except transport of mail.