GXO is ramping up its drive into the healthcare logistics sector after landing a contract to manage NHS England’s bowel cancer home testing programme across England.
The deal follows GXO’s appointment last year as NHS Supply Chain’s new logistics partner in a landmark agreement. The company has also signed agreements with Siemens Healthineers in the U.S. as well as bioMérieux, among others in Europe.
As part of this latest deal, GXO will manage the supply and distribution of Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits, working with partners MAST, a major distributor of FITs and end-to-end diagnostic kitting partner RDi.
GXO said it will bring its “advanced logistics capabilities” and a “deep understanding of healthcare supply requirements” to the role, helping NHS England’s wider goal of making screening more accessible and convenient for patients across the country.
Gavin Williams, GXO UK & Ireland MD, said: “GXO’s solutions are purpose-built for the complex and highly regulated needs of healthcare supply chains, and we are proud to be selected by NHS England to deliver this important national programme.
“This new partnership underscores GXO’s continued investment and rapid growth in the healthcare sector and how our capabilities are driving productivity and resilience across a vital part of the UK economy and the NHS.”
Eric Finton James, GXO UK & Ireland senior director of healthcare, added: “This agreement aligns with the NHS 10 Year Health Planto move care from hospitals to community settings, with a continued focus on prevention.
“FIT home testing kits help identify those at risk of cancer who require further tests, and their provision is an essential component of NHS England’s screening pathway. Our expertise will ensure that those who need a test receive it, and that laboratories conducting the tests have the equipment they need to successfully screen patients.”
David Cahill, RDi chief executive commented: “Having been involved with the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme since its start in 2008, RDi is proud to continue to support the work of the programme in driving up participation rates and addressing inequalities.”
Iain McElarney, MAST innovation manager, said: “Mast has been developing FIT solutions in Bowel Cancer Screening across Europe since 2005 and are particularly proud to continue our work with the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, providing excellent participant experience and driving innovation in laboratory testing.”
