The Province has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a management consulting firm to engage stakeholders on how best to strengthen B.C.'s laboratory services system.

Demand for laboratory testing in B.C. is currently outpacing the rate of population growth. Since 2001, the number of lab tests performed annually has increased by 70 per cent, with B.C. investing more than $600 million in the lab system each year.

Despite significant cost containment efforts, lab costs have increased by $130 million - or approximately 27 per cent - in the past five years. By 2020-21, it is conservatively estimated that total annual laboratory expenditures could reach between $771 million and $894 million.

The successful contractor will conduct a comparison of lab services in Canada and other jurisdictions to identify strengths and best practices. The contractor will also consult with a variety of stakeholders including health authorities, the BC Medical Association, the BC Association of Laboratory Physicians, unions and private-sector laboratories. At the end of the 10 week contract, the contractor will provide the Province with a report outlining options for strengthening B.C.'s lab system, including ways to reduce costs, improve access and increase efficiency.

The RFP recognizes that a number of other challenges affect the sustainability of B.C.'s laboratory services system. B.C. is the only province in Canada with an uncapped fee-for-service lab system and demand for testing is currently outpacing the rate of population growth. Additionally, the province's existing laboratory system model creates dual funding streams to hospitals, has duplication and redundancy of services - and in some cases, overlapping responsibility for service delivery within the same geographic area.

The RFP can be found online at: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

Submissions are due by 2 p.m. on March 8, 2012.

Contact:

Michelle Stewart
Communications Director
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)