Scope
Reference
C382443
Description
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHFT) is inviting suppliers to participate in a market engagement exercise in advance of its planned re-procurement and enhancement of pathology services.
The Pathology Department at GHFT plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality diagnostic and laboratory services for primary and secondary care in Gloucestershire and South Worcestershire. Operating from Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital, the department provides a comprehensive range of services, including:
• Chemical Pathology (Atamis Ref: C382440)
• Haematology, Immunology, Transfusion (Atamis Ref: C382441)
• Infection Sciences (Atamis Ref: C382442)
• Cellular Pathology (Atamis Ref: C382443)
GHFT aims to identify strategic partners to support a comprehensive transformation programme encompassing Facility upgrades; Equipment modernisation; Process optimisation; Enhanced contract management
The overarching goal is to deliver a flexible, high-quality pathology service that is future-ready and aligned with GHFT's vision of "Best Care for Everyone."
This informal market engagement for Cellular Pathology - one of four related market engagement exercises - will help inform GHFT's future procurement approach and the development of service specifications.
Participation is entirely voluntary and will not affect eligibility to participate in any future procurement process. Suppliers who choose not to engage at this stage will not be disadvantaged. However, feedback and contributions will be instrumental in ensuring the final procurement approach reflects market capacity, innovation, and best practice.
Important Notes:
• This notice is for information-gathering purposes only and does not signal the start of a formal procurement.
• GHFT is under no obligation to proceed with a procurement following this exercise. Should GHFT proceed to procurement, a separate Contract Notice will be published.
• Any participation will be at the supplier's own cost; no expenses will be reimbursed.
• A robust conflicts of interest assessment process, fully compliant with PA23 standards, is in place.
Total value (estimated)
- £21,000,000 excluding VAT
- £25,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 July 2027 to 11 July 2037
- Possible extension to 11 July 2041
- 14 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71900000 - Laboratory services
- 33124100 - Diagnostic devices
- 33141625 - Diagnostic kits
- 33124110 - Diagnostic systems
- 33124130 - Diagnostic supplies
- 33696500 - Laboratory reagents
- 38434000 - Analysers
- 51430000 - Installation services of laboratory equipment
- 33190000 - Miscellaneous medical devices and products
- 33140000 - Medical consumables
- 48430000 - Inventory management software package
- 45215146 - Pathology room construction work
- 45214610 - Laboratory building construction work
- 50420000 - Repair and maintenance services of medical and surgical equipment
- 38434500 - Biochemical analysers
- 33696000 - Reagents and contrast media
- 30200000 - Computer equipment and supplies
Contract locations
- UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Engagement
Engagement deadline
17 September 2025
Engagement process description
The market engagement documentation is available for unrestricted and direct access, free of charge, via the Health Family e-Sourcing portal (Atamis) at: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome.
Suppliers interested in this opportunity are invited to register their interest by accessing the Atamis e-Sourcing portal and searching for Atamis Reference: C382443.
Requests to participate must be submitted electronically via Atamis. Upon registration, suppliers will be granted access to the published materials, which include the Market Engagement Questionnaire. Respondents are encouraged to review and complete this questionnaire as part of the engagement process.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
13 April 2026
Contracting authority
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYHT-5943-VXGV
Alexandra House, Cheltenham General Hospital, Sandford Road
Gloucester
GL53 7AN
United Kingdom
Contact name: Daniel Kirkbride
Telephone: 07766457290
Email: dan.kirkbride@nhs.net
Website: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/
Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government