NHS England has announced the final procurement outcome for primary HPV testing in England.
It has confirmed that in relation to Lot 1 (London), the Standstill Period has now concluded and the preferred bidder was Health Services Laboratories LLP.
Lead commissioners will now be able to commence the process to formalise the contract with this provider.
This now means that of the nine lots in England the laboratories who will take forward this are:
- London (Lot1) – Health Services Laboratories LLP
- North East (lot 2) – Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
- North West (Lot 3) – Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- South Central (Lot 4) – Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
- South East (Lot 5) – Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
- South West (Lot 6) – North Bristol NHS Trust
- East Midlands (Lot 7) – University Hospital Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
- East (Lot 8) – Norfolk & Norwich University NHS Foundation Trust
- West Midlands (Lot 9) – The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Foundation Trust.
IBMS Deputy CEO Sarah May said: “The Institute welcomes the final confirmation from NHS England of the laboratories that are the successful bidders for the rollout of primary HPV testing in England. However, we have concerns for the well-being of staff that have been through an extremely difficult and stressful time and are aware that significant numbers are now facing uncertain futures.
“We are shortly to release guidance on retraining options to help members who may be facing difficult choices and we are also fast-tracking a review of the cytology Specialist Portfolio to ensure it is able to meet the training needs of current and future staff in different and reconfigured services.”