Provision of Public Health Microbiology Services for Yorkshire and the Humber

Provision of Public Health Microbiology Services for North East and Yorkshire and the Humber regions. This contract covers the following elements: - Timely testing of samples for a wide range of pathogens (including some not tested for by NHS microbiology laboratories), providing results/interpretation to the sender and providing treatment advice to clinicians if required. - Processing specialist referred samples for NHS laboratories. - Developing/rolling out new tests or methodologies to support PHE locally / nationally. - Maintaining existing active links to PHE and other Reference Laboratories. - Testing service for the investigation of outbreaks of infections or sporadic infections caused by pathogens specific concern. - Professional expert microbiological and virological advice and support in relation to medical and scientific issues pertaining to Public Health Microbiology and PHE. - Supporting and working with Clostridium difficile Ribotyping Network (CDRN) team. The contract is for 3 years with possible extensions up to 2 years.