Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
WARRINGTON AND HALTON TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
RWW
Lovely Lane
WarrINGTON
WA51QG
UK
Contact person: Alison Parker
E-mail: alison.parker1@nhs.net
NUTS: UKD61
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.whh.nhs.uk/
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Health
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Pathology Services
Reference number: CCSP0046
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85111800
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
Provision of Pathology Services
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD6
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
In 2019 the NHS Long Term Plan set out the key ambition that all pathology services in England would be part of a pathology network by 2023 (now April 2025). In response to this the Cheshire & Merseyside Pathology Network developed an Outline Business Case which detailed an ambitious Target Operating Model which consists of developing 3 pathology hubs which would work together to make the best use of the assets and capabilities available, and to deliver on the benefits to patient care that are available by working more closely together. These three hubs cover the following geographical areas:
North Hub - Liverpool
East Hub - Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington & Halton
South Hub - Cheshire West and The Wirral
To meet the National and Local ambitions Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts are seeking a provider to deliver the East Hub Pathology Service. This provider must be able to offer a single pathology service for the geographical area of the East hub (see table above) delivered through a hub and spoke model. The provider must be able to deliver a single pathology service which consists of a Central Hub, situated in the geographic area, and Essential Service Laboratories at Ormskirk Southport, St Helens, Warrington, and Halton hospitals. The provider must be able to deliver all aspects of: Cellular Pathology (Histopathology and Cytology), Mortuary Services, Blood Science (Chemistry, Haematology, and blood transfusion), Immunology and Microbiology pathology services within the Central Hub. The provider must be able to deliver Blood science (Chemistry, Haematology and blood transfusion) and a small number of Microbiology Screening (Blood Cultures and Cerebral Spinal Fluid) tests on site at the Essential Services Laboratories. To provide the service all hospital sites will retain their current equipment from their current suppliers, and so the provider will not be required to provide any equipment as part of this service.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
25/06/2025
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intended approach notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award.
The intention is to award a contract using the Most Suitable Provider Process. The decisions makers are key stakeholders with Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
30/05/2025