The UK arm of workwear manufacturer, Alsico, has been awarded preferred bidder status onto the National Healthcare Uniform Framework.

The eight-figure contract will see Alsico responsible for providing a new standardised approach to clinical uniforms across England.

The partnership has been awarded after a two-year consultive tender process which saw uniform providers across the globe vying for the five-year deal. 

This new national unform has to be fit for purpose, easy to wear, and, most of all, make the users feel empowered to continue doing their life-saving work

Alsico successfully secured the vast majority share of the nationwide contract and, as a result, in partnership and collaboration with NHS Supply Chain, will lead the rollout of the new framework, which is bringing a standardised national healthcare uniform for all NHS staff working in clinical roles in England.

The introduction of the national, culturally-sensitive uniform aims to bring greater recognition and easier identification of the 600,000-plus staff by patients and the public. 

Fit for purpose

On the announcement, David Toon, managing director at Alsico, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to now be able to announce that we’ve been chosen as the preferred supplier to the National Healthcare Uniform Framework.

“The consultation process of this tender was one of the most important we have been involved in.

“This new national unform has to be fit for purpose, easy to wear, and, most of all, make the users feel empowered to continue doing their life-saving work. 

“I feel incredibly proud to be leading the team that will deliver a safe and professional uniform across the country that has thought about equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as value for money and sustainability.

I am sure for many it feels that we have been waiting for this day for a long time, with the unexpected, yet-unavoidable, delays caused by the impact of COVID-19

 “This win forms part of our continued growth and will see us become even closer to the huge variety of healthcare workers in uniforms to understand their evolving needs better and drive towards increased comfort, protection, and recognition.” 

The NHS launched a seven-week consultation phase asking its employees for their views and input before the tender process began. 

Supporting the workforce

Diane Woodham, category manager at NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative, said: “We are over the moon to have reached this stage of the process.

“I am sure for many it feels that we have been waiting for this day for a long time, with the unexpected, yet-unavoidable, delays caused by the impact of COVID-19.

“We are looking forward to working together and continuing to engage across the NHS to bring this project to reality to deliver the national healthcare uniform the NHS workforce deserves.”

Greg Houlston, general manager at Alsico, added: “It’s an amazing achievement to not have only retained our partnership with NHS Supply Chain, but shifted to now become the main supplier in such an important national rollout. 

“Our strong track record of already working with many NHS trusts is something we are incredibly proud of and, with this win, we will only strengthen our relationship as we deliver a consistent uniform that we hope improves professional identity and patient safety.”