Royal Bolton signs 15-year contract

Radiology business manager Catherine Walsh and Siemens MES business development executive Nancy Burton seal the new 15-year MES agreement.

Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Siemens Healthcare have commenced a multi-million, 15-year MES agreement.  This will guarantee the latest medical equipment in the main radiology department, the ongoing maintenance of existing systems and user training for the lifetime of the contract.  With modern and well maintained equipment in place, the services offered to the local community will remain at a high standard whatever the future changes in wider NHS policy or budgets. 

An annual charge is payable to enable greater transparency and budget management, plus the contract ring fences investment for the future so that nothing is used beyond its recommended life and a rolling equipment replacement programme is in place.

“New imaging equipment will make a massive difference to the services we provide to patients and in boosting the radiology team’s morale.  We’ve been struggling for years with old devices that frequently broke down and impacted on our ability to meet targets,” said Catherine Walsh, radiology business manager at Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

“The view ahead is now so much more certain.  We approached MES as a partnership, not a transactional purchase, and we are confident that Siemens will work closely with us on the 15-year journey ahead.”

“In the past, equipment procurement was all about what we could afford from capital money, and over time, investment in radiological assets did not keep pace with changing needs and technology,”  stated financial director Gary Raphael.

“Now we have expert help to guide us in the right direction.  Working in partnership with Siemens gives us certainty of quality, risk management and a dedicated focus on radiology equipment replacement.”

See the full report on page 29 of the October 2010 issue of RAD Magazine.