Pathology Sample Transfer Transport Service plus Option to Include Staff Transport

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust is advertising for a Pathology Sample Transfer Service, primarily between the Worthing and Chichester laboratories, with an option for the same service but to incorporate staff transport in conjunction with the transfer of samples. The inter-site service is primarily within core working hours but does encompass weekend transfers and the ad hoc and emergency transfer of samples, blood and blood products on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per year. The transfer service must compliant with all current legislation, regulations and Department of Health guidelines in respect of the transferring Medical/Pathology samples.

Option A requires a Transport system to provide a robust service which primarily provides routine scheduled collection of diagnostic pathology samples from and transfers them between Worthing Hospital Pathology Department and St. Richard’s Hospital, Chichester Pathology Department. This service is required 7 days per week, 365 days per year basis.

Option B includes additional inter-site runs on weekdays using vehicles with the combined capability for the safe carriage of up to 14 staff together with an appropriate segregated area for the storage of samples and associated goods whilst in transit. The transfer service and drivers must be appropriately licensed and insured for the carriage of non-fare paying passengers.

To qualify to tender for either of the two options suppliers MUST be able to provide 24/7 support with compliance with the defined maximum on site attendance response times for urgent samples (30 Minutes response @ Worthing & 90 Minutes response @ St Richards) and emergency samples (20 Minutes response @ Worthing & 60 Minutes response @ St Richards) for the subsequent onward transfer between Worthing and Chichester sites as required.

Please confirm with your expressions of interest your ability to comply with the above.