Modular Healthcare: New Framework Agreement Targets GP Practice Expansion Across the UK
Meeting Healthcare Demand with Modular Innovation
The NHS is under increasing pressure to deliver healthcare more efficiently, especially at the community level. GP practices across the UK are grappling with rising patient numbers, outdated facilities, and a critical need for expansion. In response, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a new framework agreement to help GP practices and other primary care providers procure high-quality, modular buildings that can meet growing demand quickly, sustainably, and cost-effectively.
This blog explores how modular construction is transforming primary care infrastructure, what this new framework means for practices, patients, and the wider health sector, and how The Offsite Guide continues to support this essential transition.
Why Modular Construction Works for Healthcare
Modular construction offers a compelling alternative to traditional building methods, especially in the healthcare sector where time, budget, and operational disruption are critical concerns.
Key benefits include:
Speed: Modular buildings can be manufactured offsite and installed in a fraction of the time compared to conventional builds.
Minimal Disruption: GP practices can remain operational while new units are installed.
Flexibility: Modular buildings can be easily extended, reconfigured, or relocated based on local needs.
Quality Control: Factory settings enhance quality assurance, hygiene standards, and reduced snagging issues.
Sustainability: Modular units produce less waste, have a lower carbon footprint, and can be built to high energy-efficiency standards.
The Framework Agreement: Streamlining Procurement
Launched in 2025 by NHS SBS, the Modular Buildings 3 framework agreement enables NHS bodies and GP practices to access pre-approved suppliers for modular construction services. This significantly simplifies the procurement process, removing administrative burdens and ensuring compliance with public sector procurement standards.
Key features of the agreement include:
Covers buying, hiring, or leasing modular buildings
Runs until June 2029
Lists more than 25 vetted suppliers
Designed to support both permanent and temporary modular installations
Suppliers on the framework have demonstrated experience in delivering healthcare-specific modular buildings, ensuring quality, safety, and value for money. The framework is also designed to encourage innovation, with a focus on sustainability, digital integration, and future-proofing healthcare environments.
According to Kat Jackson, Principal Category Manager at NHS SBS: “The Modular Buildings 3 framework agreement offers an opportunity to fast-track the construction of homes, schools, and NHS facilities. The framework facilitates rapid access to and delivery of essential infrastructure, enabling all public sector organisations to compliantly procure modular solutions from reputable suppliers.”
Case Study: Modular Success in Primary Care
One notable example is the successful installation of a modular GP surgery extension in Hertfordshire. The project added six new consulting rooms, a minor procedures suite, and expanded waiting areas within just four months. Patient disruption was minimal, and the surgery reported immediate improvements in service delivery.
Other successful modular healthcare projects include:
A modular health centre in Northumberland, delivered in less than five months to support growing demand and integrate multiple services under one roof.
Temporary triage and vaccination units during the COVID-19 pandemic, which proved the agility and resilience of modular construction in times of crisis.
Projects like these highlight how modular construction aligns with NHS Long Term Plan goals by increasing capacity, improving access, and enhancing patient experience.
Addressing Growing Population and Infrastructure Gaps
The UK population is ageing, and the demand for primary care services continues to rise. Traditional healthcare infrastructure has struggled to keep pace, particularly in urban growth zones and underserved rural areas.
Modular buildings offer a scalable solution. They can be deployed quickly in areas with urgent need, serve as temporary expansions during renovation projects, or provide long-term capacity in high-demand locations. Importantly, they can be tailored to support Integrated Care Systems (ICS), enabling shared clinical spaces, community diagnostics, and cross-service collaboration.
A key advantage highlighted in the new framework is the ability for modular facilities to be easily expanded, reconfigured, or relocated—giving GP practices the flexibility to adapt to changing service needs.
Aligning with NHS Net Zero Goals
The NHS has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Modular construction supports this aim through:
Reduced construction emissions
Use of sustainable, low-carbon materials
Energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
Integration of renewable energy technologies such as solar PV
For GP practices seeking to upgrade facilities in a greener way, modular builds present a tangible step towards sustainability targets. Many units are now being specified with BREEAM certification and Passivhaus principles in mind, setting a new standard for low-energy healthcare infrastructure.
What’s Next for Modular Healthcare Facilities?
As digital health, Integrated Care Systems, and population health planning continue to evolve, the flexibility of modular buildings becomes even more valuable. Practices can adapt spaces for telehealth services, group clinics, mental health provision, and community-led wellbeing programmes.
The new framework also makes it easier for NHS trusts and local authorities to collaborate on shared projects. For example, health hubs combining primary care, pharmacy, social care, and even housing support services can be delivered faster and at lower cost using modular solutions.
Beyond GP surgeries, this framework could see wider adoption of modular construction for:
Community diagnostic centres
Urgent treatment hubs
Mobile or relocatable care facilities
Staff welfare and training spaces
Recent government announcements have further reinforced this movement. Last month, it was announced that over 1,000 GP practices in England will share £102 million in funding to refurbish their premises. This investment will go towards developing new consultation and treatment rooms, enhancing existing infrastructure, and supporting the workforce. Modular solutions will play a vital role in delivering these upgrades efficiently.
A Smarter, Faster Way to Build for Better Care
Modular construction is reshaping how healthcare infrastructure is delivered in the UK. With the launch of this new NHS SBS framework agreement, GP practices and primary care providers now have an efficient, compliant route to expand their facilities and improve patient outcomes.
At The Offsite Guide, we champion innovation in MMC and modular techniques that deliver real-world solutions. We believe this framework represents a major step forward for healthcare delivery, unlocking the speed, flexibility, and sustainability needed to build healthier communities.
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