Microbiology managed service

Tender description

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a sole strategic partner for the provision of a managed service for the Department of Microbiology to include laboratory equipment, maintenance, servicing, consumables and reagents. The managed service may also include other pathology related equipment and services during the term of the contract. Interested suppliers must be capable of providing a complete service solution or be able to work with third party suppliers within a managed service contract arrangement in the most cost effective format. General microbiology work currently carried out by the department uses automated systems for blood culture, antimicrobial identification / susceptibility (ID/AST) and automated urine analysis. This element includes the use of general and chromagenic culture media, antibiotic discs and MIC tests. Molecular diagnostics work currently consists of tests for MRSA and norovirus. This includes both one-off single tests and batch testing where appropriate. Proposed systems must be able to provide automated extraction and detection. Further molecular testing targets may be added during the life of the contract.