From 2004, NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CFH) put in place a number of enterprise-wide agreements (EWAs) with major IT suppliers to the NHS in England. The objective of these EWAs was to significantly reduce the cost of supply of a variety of widely-used software, hardware and services.

Whilst some of these arrangements continue, others have now been superseded by new, best value Government-wide arrangements.

Two main types of EWAs

Centrally purchased

In this case, NHS CFH purchases a set of products and services centrally for the NHS's benefit. The centrally-purchased products are then available, free of local charge, to NHS organisations.

Centrally negotiated

In this instance, major sub-contractors to NPfIT prime contractors have agreed with NHS CFH that they will offer improved discount levels for the NHS as a whole.

NHS organisations still purchase products locally, but benefit from a significantly higher level of discount than would have been achievable by each organisation negotiating individually with the supplier.

NHS EWAs in place

NHS organisations should read more detailed EWA briefings (NHS staff only, N3 connection required) to ensure they are familiar with the scope of each EWA and key points to note generally about EWA operation.

Government-wide agreements

In addition to the NHS EWAs, the Cabinet Office (formerly Office of Government Commerce) Buying Solutions group has put in place a number of other Government-wide agreements, which are available to NHS organisations.

Contact for further information

Please contact ewat@nhs.net.