North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (the Trust") are seeking to appoint a Supplier and intends to let a Managed Service Contract ("MSC") to replace and existing reagent rental blood culture machine at their Carlisle site.

The Trust wishes to implement a Managed Service contract to replace the existing reagent rental blood culture machine. The current arrangement is that we are provided with a blood culture machine which is interfaced to the laboratory information system. We currently purchase blood culture bottles and identification kits. The bottle price is a “reagent rental” price which includes the use of the blood culture machine.

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (the Trust") are seeking to appoint a Supplier and intends to let a Managed Service Contract ("MSC") to replace and existing reagent rental blood culture machine. The current arrangement consists of the provision of a blood culture machine which is interfaced to the laboratory information system. Blood culture bottles and identification kits are purchased. The bottle price is a “reagent rental” price which includes the use of the blood culture machine. The MSC will include provision of equipment, consumables and reagents, support and maintenance, staff training and regular review meetings and reports. The supplier will implement and closely manage the MSC for the duration of the contract at the Carlisle site.