Provision of Cervical Cytology Laboratory Service (including HPV) for NHS England Midlands and East (Central Midlands) hereafter referred to as “Lincolnshire Cervical Cytology Laboratory procurement”

NHS England Midlands and East (Central Midlands: Leicestershire and Lincolnshire) wish to inform interested providers of the intention to tender a Cervical Cytology Laboratory service (including HPV testing) covering the Lincolnshire Cervical Cytology programme (2014-15 approx. 36,500 samples p.a.)

The aim of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is to reduce the incidence of, and mortality from, cervical cancer by delivering a systematic, quality assured population-based screening programme for eligible women.

As a UKAS accredited laboratory, the provider will be required to process a minimum of 35,000 samples p.a., delivering to NHSCSP standards as set out in the s7A specification which can be found at

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-health-commissioning-in-the-nhs-2015-to-2016

(see Service specification No. 25 Cervical Screening Programme)

In summary: the laboratory service will play a key role in delivering a seamless, co-ordinated multi-agency programme, ensuring that samples from eligible women taken by GPs and Community based clinics are received, tested and reported upon in a timely manner with secure onwards communication to the next appropriate stage of the pathway, including direct referrals. The services will also undertake HPV triage and test of cure on appropriate samples, as defined by the NHSCSP, in accordance with the NHSCSP’s HR-HPV triage and test of cure protocol.

All processes must be delivered with adequate numbers of trained and qualified competent staff, including the Hospital Based Co-ordinator, lead cytopathologist and named laboratory lead (usually a senior biomedical scientist) roles, supported by continuing professional development and working to relevant professional standards.

The service will have rigorous clinical and corporate governance arrangements including, quality assurance, quality management, risk assessment, failsafe and audit embedded throughout the pathway with clear lines of named responsibility especially where there is hand over of care.

Communication across the pathway will also require electronic links with all relevant key stakeholders as well as contributing to MDT/audit meetings and data reporting as required for NHSCSP QA processes and national/regional audit and commissioners and full participation with local screening oversight arrangements/ structures, including local office of NHS England and local authority Health and Wellbeing Boards where applicable.

The duration of this contract will be 3 years with a potential option to extend for up to a further 2 two years.

A formal tendering process will commence at a later date, this will be advertised via Contracts Finder Website: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search and made available via the Arden & GEM Bravo Portal: http://gemcsu.bravosolution.co.uk