The automated system for the sectioning of wax tissue blocks

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has completed the procurement process for a fully automated system for the sectioning of wax tissue blocks, including mounting onto glass slides for further staining. This project falls under the category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment and is located at the Pathology Department of New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton (UKG39). The process has reached the award stage, with the contract set to be signed on 4th March 2025, following a standstill period that commenced on 21st February 2025 and concludes on 3rd March 2025.

The procurement method used is a direct award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition, justified by the unique and exclusive provision of the equipment by Axlab Ltd. This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in laboratory and precision equipment, particularly those capable of providing highly specialised and unique solutions. Companies in the healthcare equipment sector can view this as an indicative example of a targeted procurement process that demands specific expertise and unique product capabilities.

The successful supplier, Axlab Ltd, based in Ipswich, serves as a precedent for businesses seeking to expand their footprint in the medical and health services arena by supplying specialised equipment directly to major NHS trusts.