Pathology Managed Equipment Service (MES) – South 4 Pathology Network

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is undertaking this procurement in its own name and on behalf of the other participating trusts within the South 4 Pathology Network, namely Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Authority intends to procure a Pathology Managed Equipment Service (MES) to support high-quality, resilient and standardised pathology services across participating sites.

The service is expected to cover the provision, installation, commissioning and lifecycle management of pathology laboratory equipment, together with maintenance, servicing, repair, upgrades, replacement planning, training and performance support. The scope of testing is expected to focus primarily on blood sciences and related hospital laboratory services, including biochemistry, haematology, coagulation, serology, immunology, automation and pre-pre-analytics such as specimen tracking and auto receipting.

The service model is expected to include equipment supply through capital and/or leased models, asset management, consumables and reagents where required, inventory and logistics management, interoperability with existing and future LIMS, digital enablement, automation, data and reporting capability, technical support, training and continuous service improvement. The procurement project is aligned to NHS pathology transformation priorities.

It is also expected to contribute to sustainability and social value objectives. The service will be delivered across multiple NHS sites within the South 4 Pathology Network geography, with flexibility for future changes to network configuration.

The Authority anticipates awarding either a single supplier or multi-lot contract, with the final structure and contract term to reflect equipment lifecycle and long-term service delivery requirements. The information provided is indicative only and does not constitute a call for competition or commitment to procure. This Pre Market Engagement notice is issued in accordance with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023.