Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust (CHFT), Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), and The Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust (MYHT) joined forces to form a New Pathology Partnership (NPP), aiming to deliver high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective services. This collaboration led to a successful procurement of pathology equipment, reagents, and consumables, unlocking significant long-term value and savings within a market that is known for being one of the most litigious markets across the NHS​.

What We did

We provided programme management resource which has helped to deliver:

  • Robust programme management – comprehensive documentation and active oversight of risks, issues, and interdependencies to prevent delays and scope creep.

  • Strategic business case development – produced an outline business case to identify the preferred procurement route for NHSE sign-off and a full business case to enable Trusts to proceed to contract award.

  • Procurement assurance – maintained detailed commercial and legal records to mitigate the risk of challenge in a highly litigious market.

  • Governance & audit trail – standardised templates and captured decisions across all sub-groups, ensuring transparency and strong governance.

This contract will support improved turnaround times, modernised lab operations and sustainable diagnostic services for the region’s population.

Impacts

  • £270 million - Total value for the delivery of the pathology managed service over the life of the contract (up to 14 years)

  • £22 million - Savings over the contract duration

The commitment and engagement you demonstrated was a fantastic example of how we can work together in partnership to achieve a positive outcome for all our organisations.

Joint statement from the three Trust Chief Executives