Published: 24th June 2022
We are aware that, in recent days, a media report has been published regarding our Pathology First partnership with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
The report in question points to the scheduled expiry of the contract in 2024 and speculates about what might happen beyond that point.
Unfortunately, the many inaccuracies contained within the report renders it misleading, imbalanced and unfair, breaching the strict reporting standards by which the media industry must abide. Furthermore, SYNLAB was not afforded an appropriate right of reply to the unsubstantiated claims that have been made against Pathology First.
As such, we are demanding urgent action be taken so that the record is set straight at the earliest opportunity.
In the meantime, we would like to make clear that the pathology contract tender in question is a public procurement process conducted by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. It would not be appropriate, therefore, for us to comment on what might or might not happen in the years ahead.
What we can say is how proud we are of the many achievements delivered by colleagues at Pathology First since its formation in 2014. The partnership is CQC registered and all the services it provides are UKAS accredited under ISO 15189.
Working together with our NHS partners during the pandemic, our teams of dedicated scientists and phlebotomists supported patients and clinicians with a service that continuously adapted to meet the considerable needs and challenges presented by COVID.
The partnership now performs around 14 million tests annually and, since its inception, £12 million has been invested to create state-of-the-art laboratories. Our Specialist Biomedical Scientists recently became the first in the country to be able to read microbiology plates remotely, thanks to a £1.2 million investment in our microbiology laboratory.
We are proud of the many achievements delivered by Pathology First and would like to take this opportunity to thank all colleagues for their continued commitment to delivering high-quality pathology services for the people of Essex and surrounding areas.
Stephen Tuddenham – Managing Director for Hospitals, SYNLAB UK & Ireland
Please direct any further queries on the above matters to [email protected]
