Agreement strengthens company's U.K. presence
LYNDHURST, N.J., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the leading U.S. provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced today that it has been awarded a new,
five-year contract with the U.K.'s National Health Service West Middlesex
University Hospital Trust and the Hounslow Primary Care Trust of London to
provide end-to-end diagnostic testing and related support services for
approximately 215,000 people. The contract was awarded after a nine-month
evaluation of six independent and hospital-based U.K. laboratories. This
agreement strengthens the company's presence in the U.K. Additional terms of
the agreement were not disclosed.
West Middlesex University Hospital is a major acute care National Health
Service hospital in Isleworth, London with 362 beds. It provides a full range
of services to residents of the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Richmond and
Twickenham. The Hounslow Primary Care Trust is a primary care group consisting
of 700 staff and 80 sites serving West London.
"Quest Diagnostics was selected for their high quality service, the
logistics and technological systems they have in place and their proximity to
the hospital," said Dr. Stella Barnass, Consultant Microbiologist and Lead
Clinician for Pathology, West Middlesex University Hospital.
Quest Diagnostics will provide comprehensive laboratory services 24 hours
a day, 365 days per year through a combination of the hospital's on-site
laboratory and the company's own laboratory in nearby Heston. The pathology
service will continue to be led by the West Middlesex University Hospital
consultant pathologists, who will also have the ability to consult with Quest
Diagnostics more than 500 M.D.s and Ph.D.s in the U.S. The agreement covers
clinical and anatomic pathology, including biochemistry, hematology,
microbiology and immunology services as well as staffing and operation of the
hospital's on-site laboratory, and the maintenance and calibration of all
laboratory equipment, systems and point of care technology devices.
"We are very pleased to use our capabilities to improve patient care in
the London metropolitan area," said Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Quest Diagnostics. "We have earned the confidence of
doctors and patients in the U.S. through our commitment to service, quality,
convenience and innovation. We are expanding our efforts to bring these same
capabilities to physicians and patients in the U.K."
About the National Health Service
The National Health Service or NHS as it is more commonly known, was set
up on the 5th July 1948 to provide healthcare for all citizens based on need,
not the ability to pay. The NHS is funded by the taxpayer and overseen by the
Department of Health, which sets overall policy on health issues. It is the
responsibility of the Secretary of State for Health to ensure the provision of
health services free at the point of delivery to the general public through
NHS organizations. NHS Trusts fall broadly into three categories: Acute
(Hospital) Trusts, Primary Care Trusts (responsible for ensuring provision of
primary care/general practitioner services) and Mental Health Trusts.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services that patients and doctors need to make better
healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing services through its national network of laboratories and patient
service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive
medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing
innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology
solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is
available at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, competitive environment, changes in
government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers,
suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2006 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
CONTACT: Investors, Laure Park +1-201-393-5030, or Media, Nancy
Fitzsimmons, +1-201-393-5700, both of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com