Provision of the NHS Health Checks Point of Care Testing (POCT) Equipment

Overview

North Northamptonshire Council currently contracts a supplier to provide POCT equipment and consumables to GP practices, pharmacies, and community-based Health Check providers across the area. These arrangements will end on 31 March 2026. The Council is seeking to appoint a supplier to continue providing POCT consumables and, where needed, analysers to support the delivery of the NHS Health Checks programme. The successful supplier will also be required to provide maintenance support, quality assurance materials, and training. The supplier must also provide quality assurance support to ensure the reliability and consistency of test results. This includes internal quality control materials for routine provider checks, as well as access to a recognised External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme for both cholesterol and HbA1c testing. To ensure continuity of provision until the full Health Checks service is recommissioned (due to go live on 1 April 2027), a new short-term contract is required. This procurement seeks to secure a one-year supply arrangement for POCT products and associated support, covering the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.