For UK HealthTech companies
Your DSPT gap is why that NHS contract hasn't moved in months
NHS organisations cannot procure from suppliers who haven't met data security standards. A single incomplete Toolkit submission can defer five- and six-figure contracts by four months or more.
Two minutes. Solva follows up with specific compliance pathway options.
- Repeated requests for additional documentation during NHS procurement processes
- Delays in contract finalisation due to outstanding DSPT assertions
- Healthtech products being deprioritised by NHS trusts due to perceived compliance risk
- Inability to access NHS data or integrate with NHS systems, limiting product functionality
- Increased administrative burden on internal teams to address compliance gaps
- Diversion of technical resources from product development to compliance remediation
- Loss of potential revenue from delayed or lost NHS contracts
- Increased operational costs due to rushed, last-minute compliance efforts
- Damage to credibility and trust with NHS partners and potential clients
- Negative perception within the healthtech community regarding readiness for NHS engagement
No verified UK data available for specific percentages of healthtech procurement delays caused by incomplete DSPT submissions or average delay months. However, DSPT non-compliance is widely cited as a significant barrier to NHS procurement for healthtech companies (Health Tech Alliance, 2025).
Source: https://healthtechalliance.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Health-Tech-Alliance-Procurement-Report.pdf
Frequently asked questions
Why does this problem persist?
NHS organisations cannot procure healthtech products that don't meet NHS data security standards. The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is mandatory for any supplier handling NHS patient data, but many healthtech companies underestimate the time and resource required to achieve compliance - particularly around data processing agreements, penetration testing, and staff training.
What is the cost of leaving it unaddressed?
DSPT compliance support costs in the UK typically range from £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the scope and complexity of the healthtech company's needs (JVR Consultancy, AvISO Consultancy, Stratia Cyber, 2026). A 4.7-month procurement delay for a £200,000 NHS contract can result in approximately £78,000 in deferred revenue.
This is exactly what I do with UK private practices. Answer the few questions above and I'll come back personally with where to start. Paul.