Partnership with Bedford Hospital NHS Trust

On 1st December 2009, GSTS Pathology expanded its business by forming a partnership with Bedford Hospital NHS Trust. 

GSTS Pathology, the joint venture between Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Serco, have announced that they have formed a partnership to provide pathology services to Bedford Hospital NHS Trust.

The contract to run all of the Bedford Hospital NHS Trust’s pathology services is for a period of ten years and will involve the transfer of 96 staff under TUPE. The recently signed contract will start on 1 December 2009.

The partnership is important for Bedford Hospital NHS Trust as GSTS Pathology will bring extensive experience in service transformation to improve end-to-end patient care and diagnostic pathways and increase the effectiveness of the current service by extending the range of pathology services being offered.

GSTS Pathology is one of the largest pathology organisations in the UK. Around 550 employees conduct more than seven million pathology tests a year, consisting of over 1,200 different types of test across a broad spectrum of disciplines including histopathology, blood sciences, microbiology, and genetics.

More than 70% of all health care decisions in the UK relating to the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of disease involve a pathology investigation.

GSTS Pathology Managing Director Dr Kevin Cox said: "We are delighted to be entering into this partnership with Bedford Hospital NHS Trust to deliver their pathology services.

"Pathology in the UK is undergoing a period of profound change as a result of clinical advances and new technologies, and we believe this partnership will help to embrace these changes and improve service to patients in Bedford and the surrounding region. Through our complementary skills and expertise we will provide a comprehensive, clinically lead pathology service, ensure new diagnostic tests are introduced rapidly for patient benefit and we will undoubtedly improve efficiency."

Jean O’Callaghan, Chief Executive of Bedford Hospital NHS Trust said: “GSTS Pathology is the UK’s leading independent pathology provider and it is very exciting to be working with them to develop and improve pathology services at Bedford Hospital.

“I am certain the investment GSTS Pathology will make in the Trust’s pathology services will include new technologies and business developments, as well as providing professional opportunities for staff. The partnership will also benefit patients, with an improved and responsive service, fit to meet their changing and diverse needs.”