Insourcing of Clinical Support Services

The MERSEY AND WEST LANCASHIRE TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST has concluded the procurement process for the "Insourcing of Clinical Support Services" in the health services industry category. The contract, awarded to Atlas Diagnostics Ltd, commenced on 18 July 2025 and is scheduled to run until 31 March 2027, with a 12-month extension option available until 31 March 2028. This procurement, initiated under the Health Care Services Provider Selection Regime Regulations 2023, falls outside the scope of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, using a limited procurement method without prior publication of a call for competition.

The service will cover radiology reporting, including plain film, CT/MR, and nuclear medicine reports, utilising secure digital platforms to ensure efficient and quality service delivery within the UKD region. Businesses in the medical imaging and clinical support services sectors can find substantial growth opportunities with this type of tender. Although competition was limited, companies with expertise in radiology reporting and a strong track record of rapid and accurate imaging interpretation could benefit from similar future procurements.

The framework agreement ensures high-quality standards, which favours businesses equipped with cutting-edge technology and skilled radiologists. Small and medium enterprises like Atlas Diagnostics Ltd, which successfully secured this contract, demonstrate the potential for SMEs to thrive in public sector healthcare services engagements through specialised service offerings.