Toxicology Services 2017

Tender description

Portsmouth City Council (the Authority) is inviting tenders from suitably qualified providers to deliver toxicology testing services to the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Coroner's Office. The Coroner for Portsmouth and South East Hampshire is an independent Judicial Officer dealing with around 3000 reported deaths per year. Approximately 1200 post mortem examinations are undertaken annually with approximately 7% having Toxicology analysis carried out. The service provider will be responsible for providing appropriate laboratory services on behalf of the Coroner and will be expected to operate to the highest professional standards, maintaining the integrity of test results, reports and comprehensive analysis. Samples for testing will be coordinated and logistically planned in collaboration with the relevant public mortuaries across the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire area. The Authority is targeting to have awarded the contract by 17th March 2017 with a subsequent commencement date of 1st April 2017. The Authority currently spends in the region of £100,000 per annum.