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North West London and South West London Pathology to procure £28m joint pathology IT LIMS system

North West London Pathology (NWLP) and South West London Pathology (SWLP) are jointly looking to understand market capacity and capability ahead of a pathology IT LIMS procurement.

“Both NWLP and SWLP’s current state demonstrates a thriving, high-performing pathology network, but also one operating at scale and under continued transformation,” they state. “The networks have highlighted sustained testing growth, increasing operational complexity, ongoing investment in digital pathology and automation, and the need for resilient infrastructure, strong interoperability beyond the traditional HL7 messaging and future-proofed digital capability.”

A LIMS solution is sought to help improve clinical safety and standardisation, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational performance while leveraging AI and machine learning to support future delivery, NWLP and SWLP state. Alongside the procured solution, requirements are also set for implementation, migration, integration, training, and support services.

Disciplines to be supported cover biochemistry, haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, immunology, genetics and molecular workflows, the providers highlight. Capabilities to be explored include interfaces with EPRs, national systems, automation platforms, and analytics tools.

The total value of the procurement is estimated to be around £28 million, covering estimated dates from 1 September 2028 to 31 August 2038, with the option to extend to August 2043.

The deadline for engagement is 1 October 2026, with a tender notice anticipated in April 2027.

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