As much of the public sector prepare to go back to the workplace, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) have launched a new scheme to help keep employees safe while in the office. 

The Workspace Optimisation Framework, set to run until April 2024, has been developed to meet the needs of NHS and other public sector employers amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The system will work through using sensor systems, which enable the real time monitoring of workspaces, desks, meeting rooms and whole building occupancy levels.

Sensors can also be linked to online booking platforms to manage usage and ensure effective social distancing at work, while detailed heat maps reveal high use areas and workplace trends that can inform decision making.

In addition to the booking system now in place, there will also be temperature monitoring in place. These will be used for easy-to-use fever screening, ranging from thermal imaging cameras to fever detection kiosks.

Following a comprehensive OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) compliant procurement exercise, both Flexicount and Matrix Booking Limited have been given the contract to help deliver NHS SBS scheme.

Director of Procurement at NHS SBS, Phil Davies, said: “The suppliers on our Workspace Optimisation Framework are experts in adapting office spaces and other working environments to attain maximum efficiencies.”