THE National Health Service has revealed details of new fleet framework agreements with a host of suppliers, worth £150 million over the next three years.

With a fleet of 36,000 cars spread over more than 600 organisations, the NHS says the move will reduce costs and improve efficiency through rigorous sourcing processes, greater competition, keener pricing and higher service levels.

The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA), set up in 2000, negotiates national agreements on behalf of the NHS. It invited tenders to be submitted earlier this year and has now created a specialist website which NHS Trusts can access to source leasing rates and obtain online quotations from all suppliers appointed.

Mike Taylor, purchasing manager for the NHS PASA, said: ‘NHS organisations can use the lease car website to compare the most competitive quotes to ensure they are getting the best deal and increase their efficiency by obtaining information immediately, rather than having to wait for manual quotations from suppliers.’

A market research company will test the quality and performance of each contract annually and reports will be shared with suppliers so they can assess performance and see how it measures against competitors.

Helen MacCarthy, project coordinator – fleet for the NHS PASA, said: ‘The placement of these framework agreements follows a great deal of hard work by the NHS PASA, the Department of Health, NHS trusts, suppliers and consultants AT Kearney. The commitment of all involved has been tremendous.’

Suppliers appointed as part of the agreement include: Appleyard Vehicle Contracts, Arnold Clark Finance, Automotive Leasing, DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management, Hitachi Capital Fleet Solutions, Interleasing, Lex Vehicle Leasing, Lloyds TSB autolease and TC Harrison Business Link.

Other suppliers for vehicle purchase, mainly used by ambulance trusts for conversions, include DaimlerChrysler, Fiat Auto, Ford, Iveco, LDV, Renault and Vauxhall.