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Anatomical Pathology Automation

Mid South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Award

03 Dec 2025 at 10:43

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

14 Oct 2025 at 12:02

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Tender

06 Aug 2025 at 11:43

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

21 May 2025 at 14:42

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has completed a public procurement process for an "Anatomical Pathology Automation" framework aimed at advancing laboratory automation equipment across five distinct lots: tissue embedding, block facing, slide preparation, storage systems, and block transportation. Conducted under an open procedure method, the procurement addresses the needs of health and social care entities as defined in the Procurement Act 2023. Managed by HealthTrust Europe LLP as the procuring entity, the framework has seen contracts awarded to Axlab Ltd and Technopath Distribution Ltd for supply and implementation. The process concluded with the contract signed on 6th November 2025, under a framework that allows for a maximum duration of eight years, with periods commencing every two years and reopening six months before expiry.

This procurement offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in diagnostic systems, automation equipment, and pathology supplies. Businesses capable of delivering high-quality automation solutions and equipment are well-positioned to benefit. Furthermore, the framework is designed to be accommodating to SMEs and VCSEs, making it an attractive prospect for diverse enterprises within the health sector. This structured approach facilitates not only growth through participation but also chances for increased collaboration with UK health authorities and government bodies.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Anatomical Pathology Automation

Notice Description

This Framework provides access to laboratory automation equipment for anatomical pathology across five lots: tissue embedding, block facing, slide preparation, storage systems, and block transportation.

Lot Information

Automated Tissue Embedding Systems

Provision of a system that is able to automate the process of embedding tissue specimens in paraffin to create tissue blocks and all associated services.

Tissue Block Facing Systems

Provision of a system that is able to provide automated facing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks and all associated services.

Automated Slide Preparation Systems

Provision of a system that is able to automate the process of sectioning paraffin blocks and mounting tissue sections onto glass slides and all associated services.

Storage and Archiving Systems (for both blocks and slides)

Provision of a system that is able to provide organised storage and retrieval of histological specimens, including both FFPE tissue blocks and microscope slides and all associated services.

Block Transportation Systems

Provision of a system that is able to automate the transport of FFPE blocks between laboratory workstations including embedding, microtomy, and storage areas and all associated services.

Aggregated Lot

Aggregation of Lot option (1-5) is designed to accommodate suppliers who can offer more than one lot service provision, combining them under a single agreement. This approach ensures that the Participating Authorities have access to a variety of services either from a single supplier or a cooperative of suppliers, enhancing the convenience and adapting a solution to their needs.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051b20
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079230-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

48 - Software package and information systems

CPV Codes

33124100 - Diagnostic devices

33124110 - Diagnostic systems

33910000 - Pathology dissection instruments and supplies

48921000 - Automation system

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£33,333,333 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£33,333,333 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£40,000,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
£40,000,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Dec 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
1 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
6 Jun 2025Expired
Award Date
19 Sep 202511 months ago
Contract Period
6 Nov 2025 - 5 Nov 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Mid South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BASILDON
Postcode
SS16 5NL
Postcode Area
Southend-on-Sea
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH37 Essex Thames Gateway
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Basildon
Electoral Ward
Langdon Hills
Westminster Constituency
South Basildon and East Thurrock

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

Axlab Ltd

Technopath Distribution Ltd

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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