AXREM recognised for trade membership scheme that saves NHS money

AXREM has picked up the award for innovation for its member accreditation scheme, at the Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards.

Less than a year after the AXREM Member Accreditation (AMA) scheme was launched, members gathered at The Brewery in London in February to celebrate with trade associations covering a variety of sectors.

TAF chief executive and chair of the judging panel Emily Wallace said: “The judges loved this simple innovation, which delivered real-world impact and is helping to save the NHS money in a really practical way.”

The low cost ‘not for profit’ accreditation scheme reduces the cost burden within the supply chain and now has more than 2,000 registrants.

AXREM, the association of healthcare technology providers for imaging, radiotherapy and care, says it is aware that some NHS trusts in England have contracted with third party companies to provide a credentialing and accreditation service on their behalf. “We understand that these have been positioned as ‘free’ services to participating trusts, although these credentialing companies levy a charge to supplier organisations on a recurring, per employee basis. While offered as a free service to trusts, these schemes present additional costs in the supply chain that ultimately impact the price the NHS pays for goods and services,” the organisation says.

“Furthermore, there are multiple scheme operators, and supplier employees registered with one scheme are potentially still refused access should the NHS trust they are visiting have contracted with an alternate scheme.”

AXREM wanted to ensure that the scheme is open and transparent, maintaining alignment with NHS and professional body stakeholders.

Picture: Members of AXREM celebrate their award win.

Published on page 4 of the April 2023 issue of RAD Magazine.