Website of the Department of Health

At the bottom of this web page are links to the revised standard output specifications which should now be implemented for all types of service provision.

The standard documentation builds on best practice and experience, and will save time and cost for both the NHS and the private sector. The documents should be read in conjunction with the earlier guidance on improving PFI procurement (March 2002) and the revised payment mechanism (Feb 07) both of which are available on the website.

The standard output specifications have been designed to be applicable to in-house and outsourced provision of support services, as well as to PFI and LIFT schemes.

Trusts are able to tailor the specifications in certain areas to reflect their own particular circumstances, e.g. the response and rectification times to be used. Where significant changes are proposed to the standards expected or the nature of the services described in the documents, such changes should be discussed and agreed with DH Estates & Facilities or DH Private Finance Unit. Terminology may also need to be amended to comply with the appropriate form of contract.

Please note that the guidance on Performance Monitoring has now been incorporated into these output specifications (see the 'General Service' and 'Helpdesk' Specifications below). This supersedes Schedule 16 to the Standard Form Contract (Performance Monitoring System).

A guidance note has been produced:

• Download guidance note - revised standard service level specification (SLS) (PDF, 103K)