Category: In the News

How can the NHS manage clinical waste safely and effectively?

In the News
Posted on

NHS England’s Clinical Waste Strategy, launched in March 2023, sets ambitious targets to improve how the health service plans to manage and dispose of waste by 2030. Wrapped into this strategy include other targets for managing the 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste created per year, including reducing the net cost of clinical waste management by 15% per tonne and cutting carbon emissions from waste management by 80%. However, against a backdrop of financial constraints and workforce pressures, how can we ensure that these goals are achieved?

This strategy was launched five years after the waste management crisis of 2018 which saw a failure to adequately dispose of hazardous clinical waste due to capacity constraints within the existing disposal network. In response, the Clinical Waste Strategy sets out targets to improve national and regional resilience for treating clinical waste, including expanding the capacity of NHS Trusts to treat this waste.

At HealthTrust Europe, we understand the importance of disposing of clinical waste safely and effectively. Our Total Waste Management Framework has been developed to be simple to use for NHS Trusts, backed by leading suppliers who offer true supply capability and the expertise to assist NHS Trusts with the complexities of managing clinical waste.

As a bespoke agreement, this Framework includes the provision of clinical waste services from the point of collection through to the final disposal of clinical waste. This aligns with the Clinical Waste Strategy, with our suppliers delivering cost-effective and secure services from the point of collection and through to final disposal.

Our Total Waste Management Framework is also receptive to the unique challenges that each individual NHS Trust faces when managing and disposing of clinical waste. With the Clinical Waste Strategy applying to the entirety of NHS England, HealthTrust Europe recognises that some NHS Trusts face a more challenging prospect for contributing to these targets. Our Total Waste Management framework has been designed to be flexible to the needs and challenges facing individual Trusts. Customers of this Framework can access free support from leading suppliers to ensure that they are moving towards these targets, supported by our leading customer care team who are on hand to support the procurement and onboarding process.

The NHS is one of the largest producers of waste in the country and ensuring that this strategy is achieved is crucial for not only protecting the safety of the public, but also ensuring that the health service is moving towards its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Our Total Waste Management framework offers a unique opportunity to help realise this ambition, effortlessly connecting Trusts with leading clinical waste disposal suppliers who are specialists in removing and treating clinical waste safely and effectively.

For more information on our Total Waste Management Framework, visit www.healthtrusteurope.com/public-sector/total-waste-management

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Community Garden welcomes HealthTrust Europe volunteers

In the News
Posted on

HealthTrust Europe, the leading healthcare business based in Edgbaston, has teamed up with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Community Garden with five team members taking part in a day of charitable gardening.

Through a partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), the team members from HealthTrust Europe helped to build new raised flower beds in the community garden which serves the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. TCV connects people and communities with their local green spaces across the country, transforming over 1,200 green spaces to date while championing the benefits of active lives and good nutrition.

The project at the hospital is one of a number of ‘Green Gyms’ that TCV is supporting around the UK. With the help of HealthTrust Europe’s volunteers and others from the community, the garden will soon be transformed after it became overgrown during the COVID-19 pandemic. TCV is welcoming volunteers to get involved in the Green Gym through their weekly sessions.

HealthTrust Europe’s support for the Community Garden is part of its wider mission to meet net zero by 2030. The company is committed to making a positive impact on the local environment and hopes that other organisations will be inspired to take advantage of the volunteering opportunities available to them across the West Midlands.

The initiative is just the latest charitable cause HealthTrust Europe has supported. Team members from the leading procurement solutions business are set to embark on an ambitious fundraising walk to raise money for HealthTrust Europe’s charity for 2023, the Miscarriage Association.

 James Ruppel, a volunteer from HealthTrust Europe, said:

“We all had a fantastic morning practising our sawing and drilling skills whilst making a real difference to the Community Garden.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is an important local institution, and this rejuvenated Community Garden promises to offer a place of calm and comfort for those visiting or living locally. With lots of opportunities to get involved with, I encourage all to explore volunteering with TVC and reap the benefits of supporting their local communities!”

Vivek Jain, HealthTrust Europe’s Vice President for Finance, Sales and Marketing, said:

“We are really pleased to be supporting the fantastic work that TCV is doing at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Community Garden, not least their efforts to encourage environmental stewardship and community engagement locally.

Our commitment to ensuring HealthTrust Europe’s employees can make the most of volunteering initiatives locally is longstanding and I look forward to seeing many more colleagues doing their bit to support local causes.

We are firmly committed to protecting the local environment, and make a positive impact within our local communities, as we move towards our own target of being a net zero organisation by 2023.”

 

NHS 75th Anniversary

Celebrating 75 Years of our NHS: A Journey of Care and Collaboration

In the News
Posted on

As we celebrate the 75th birthday of our National Health Service (NHS), we would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible milestones achieved by this esteemed institution. The NHS has been a beacon of healthcare excellence, providing care and support to millions of people across the United Kingdom. At HealthTrust Europe, we have had the privilege of collaborating with the NHS, witnessing first-hand the dedication, compassion, and innovation that has driven its success.   

Join us as we commemorate this historic milestone and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the NHS to the healthcare landscape.

A Legacy of Service 

Since its inception in 1948, the NHS has become a symbol of national pride and unity. It has transcended political boundaries and continued to deliver high-quality healthcare services to all, irrespective of their background or financial means. The tireless efforts of doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, and support staff have saved countless lives and improved the well-being of millions.

Driving Innovation 

Innovation has been at the heart of the NHS’s journey. From pioneering surgical techniques to breakthrough treatments, the NHS has consistently pushed the boundaries of healthcare innovation. By embracing technological advancements, digital solutions, and research collaborations, the NHS has transformed patient care and made significant strides in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Partnerships for Progress 

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of the NHS’s success. Public and private sector partnerships have played a pivotal role in enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. HealthTrust Europe  have had the privilege of working with the NHS, providing essential medical supplies, equipment, and services. Through these partnerships, we have witnessed the power of collaboration in achieving improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion 

The NHS has been a pioneer in fostering diversity and inclusion within the healthcare workforce. It recognises that a diverse workforce brings unique perspectives, experiences, and skills, ultimately enhancing patient care. By promoting inclusivity, the NHS has created an environment that celebrates differences and ensures equitable access to healthcare services for all.
 

Adapting to Changing Needs
 

Over the years, the NHS has faced numerous challenges, including demographic shifts, evolving healthcare needs, and unprecedented global crises. Yet, it has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Whether it’s addressing pandemics, improving mental health support, or tackling long-term health issues, the NHS has consistently risen to the occasion, evolving to meet the changing needs of the population it serves.

On this momentous occasion of the NHS’s 75th birthday, we salute the unwavering dedication and commitment of the entire NHS. Their tireless efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals, bringing hope, healing, and comfort. Everyone at HealthTrust Europe is honoured to be part of the NHS’s journey, contributing to the shared goal of delivering exceptional healthcare services. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the NHS, working together to shape the future of healthcare in the years to come.

Happy 75th birthday, NHS! Here’s to many more years of excellence and compassionate care. 

HCSA Logo

HealthTrust Europe joins HCSA Corporate Partner Programme

In the News
Posted on

HealthTrust Europe is proud to be a Corporate Partner of the HealthCare Supply Chain Association (HCSA). The HCSA is dedicated to developing, supporting and celebrating the work of all healthcare procurement and supply chain professionals in support of one NHS. Together, we aim to foster a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, ultimately benefitting healthcare organisations and the patients they serve Click here to read the full announcement HCSA announces HealthTrust Europe as latest Corporate Partner | HCSA (nhsprocurement.org.uk)

HealthTrust Europe Receives High Commendation at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2023!

In the News
Posted on

HealthTrust Europe is delighted to announce that our Digital Pathology project has been Highly Commended in the Procurement Project of the Year at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2023, recognising our outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS across multiple complex systems.

The event was attended by over 900 guests, bringing together national healthcare leaders and professionals from both the NHS and private sector to celebrate the crucial contributions of the private sector within the NHS. The evening celebrated the achievements of a total of 141 finalists over 21 categories.

The Health & Care Act cites collaboration and partnership working as the key success factor for the future sustainability of the NHS. The HSJ Partnerships Awards are therefore not just a celebration of success stories but also a platform to shape the future of our integrated health and care system.

The prestigious award programme, now in its sixth year, recognises and honours the most effective partnerships, innovative projects and collaborations in the UK health system. Entering, being chosen as a Finalist, then being honoured with a High Commendation shines a light on HealthTrust Europe’s role in strengthening the healthcare system. This accolade also validates the importance of this project and gives our team the confidence to continue its tireless support work.

The judging panel comprised a diverse range of 90 highly regarded figures across the NHS and wider healthcare sector.

The Digital Pathology project partnership was selected based on its diligence, ambition, and the positive impact that the project has had on both practitioners and patients across 19 NHS Trusts in the PathLAKE consortium.  There was no pre-existing dedicated procurement route designed specifically to support requirements for digital pathology, creating a significant barrier to the overall project success.

The scope was to digitise histopathology slides and transition Trusts towards full digitalisation via the procurement of digital slide scanners and Image Management Software, enabling the foundation to advance towards clinical diagnostics via Artificial Intelligence solutions.

Key stakeholders were mapped and engaged, including Pathologists, Clinical Directors,

Laboratory Staff, Procurement Leads, IT Leads, Project Management Leads which formed critical support for the project to be successful and be delivered within the required timeframe.

As a direct result of this procurement procedure the consortium has benefitted from the power of aggregated spend resulting in a significant direct 30% saving for members of PathLAKE Plus across the services, supporting the Carter efficiency programme aims.

Quote from spokespersons

Dale Robinson, COO at HealthTrust Europe comments, “We are incredibly proud to have been Highly Commended in the Procurement Project of the Year, recognising the collaborative efforts and dedication of our team to successfully implement the ‘Upscaling of Digital Pathology project’. We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for patients, and to be included in the category among the other incredible nominees is a real achievement. To be recognised by the judges in this way in the renowned HSJ Partnership Awards provides a seal of approval for the work that we strive to deliver and supports all the hard work of both our team and our NHS partners at UHCW Trust and PathLAKE Plus. We continue to progress our partnership work with an extra sense of pride and a continued commitment to provide outstanding services to the NHS.”

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan comments, “We’re delighted that HealthTrust Europe is Highly Commended in the category of Procurement Project of the Year at this year’s HSJ Partnership Awards 2023. The work of HealthTrust Europe has been recognised in an outstanding field of nominees, each showcasing the very best collaborations and innovations in the healthcare sector today. Well done HealthTrust Europe – all credit to you and your team – you can be proud of all that you’ve achieved.”

Winners and Highly Commended projects were selected following a rigorous judging stage ahead of the HSJ Partnership Awards 2023 awards ceremony.

HealthTrust Europe Pledges Support for the Miscarriage Association Charity In 2023

In the News
Posted on

HealthTrust Europe has announced that they will be supporting the Miscarriage Association in 2023. This commitment is part of their annual tradition of selecting a main charity to support through company-wide voting. Employees nominate charities, and the selected charity receives support and fundraising efforts for the next 12 months. The Miscarriage Association was the clear winner in the most recent vote. This partnership is particularly meaningful as the Miscarriage Association provides valuable support and resources for families experiencing the trauma of miscarriage. HealthTrust Europe’s decision to involve its employees in the decision-making process helps build engagement and support for the chosen cause.

The Miscarriage Association is a UK-based charity that provides support and information to people affected by pregnancy loss. The charity offers a range of services, including a helpline, online support groups, and one-to-one support for individuals and couples. They also work to improve research and training around miscarriage, and campaign for better support and care for those who experience pregnancy loss.

As part of their commitment to supporting the charity, HealthTrust Europe invited a representative from the Miscarriage Association, to talk to employees about their work. The talk was informative and thought-provoking, and helped to raise awareness about the issue of miscarriage and the importance of supporting those affected by it within the organisation.

Ruth Bender Atik, National Director of the Miscarriage Association, said:

“An estimated one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage – far more than most people think.  It can be a very shocking, distressing, and frightening experience and feelings of grief, loss, and anxiety are common. Miscarriage is often difficult to talk about, so those going through it often feel isolated and without the support and understanding they need. Health Trust Europe is helping us to help people.  The funds the team raises will go towards our support and information services.  Their open support for our work will raise public awareness of miscarriage and its impact and will point people to where they can find help.  Their conversations with family and friends will help open other conversations and make people feel less alone. We are so very grateful for their support.”

In addition to supporting the Miscarriage Association, HealthTrust Europe has also been actively involved in supporting other charitable causes. In 2022, the company raised over £10,000 for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital charity. The funds raised were used to support the hospital’s vital work in providing specialist care and treatment to sick children and their families.

Dale Robinson, HealthTrust Europe’s Chief Operating Officer said:

“Caring for human life is at the core of our mission at HealthTrust Europe, and we are honoured to announce that The Miscarriage Association has been chosen as our charity for 2023. The work they do to support those affected by pregnancy loss is truly remarkable, and our staff are deeply committed to supporting this cause. We look forward to engaging in various fundraising efforts throughout the year and hope to make a significant impact on the lives of those who have suffered such a profound loss.”

HealthTrust Europe’s decision to support the Miscarriage Association as their chosen charity for 2023 is a step in raising awareness about the issue of pregnancy loss and supporting those affected by it. HealthTrust Europe’s commitment to charitable causes is a testament to their values as an organisation. The company believes in making a positive impact in the communities they serve and supporting causes that are important to its employees and customers.

 

Empowering Women: Celebrating International Women’s Day with HealthTrust Europe

In the News
Posted on

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, HealthTrust Europe is proud to acknowledge the achievements of women in healthcare and procurement.

Our workforce at HealthTrust Europe is gender balanced. We strive to support and empower women in healthcare and procurement, not just on International Women’s Day but every day. Our core value is to promote diversity and inclusion, recognizing that gender diversity is critical for creating an equitable and productive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

HealthTrust Europe is a learning organisation and one that recognises and embraces the talents of all. We strive to partner with our people to achieve fulfilment at work and mutual growth. Providing opportunities for women to advance in their careers is a priority for us and we are particularly proud that 50% of our people managers and Executive Board are female.

We demonstrate our passion for growth by offering a suite of impactful learning and education options, including experiential learning and on-the-job coaching, quality technical training, investment in education and professional qualifications, and access to quality self-directed learning. We firmly believe that when women prosper, so does our entire organisation.

While International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. Advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equity and support women in healthcare and procurement is vital. At HealthTrust Europe, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.

HealthTrust Europe also believes that supporting women’s health and wellbeing is crucial to creating an inclusive workplace and achieving gender equity. This is why we have developed a Women’s Health Toolkit that provides resources and information to help women make informed decisions about their health. The toolkit covers a range of topics, from reproductive health to mental health and menopause, and is available to all of our employees. We also understand that women’s health issues such as menopause can be a source of significant physical and emotional challenges for many women.

In addition to these initiatives, we are proud to support the Miscarriage Association as our charity of choice for 2023. Miscarriage is a deeply personal and often traumatic experience that affects many women and their families. By supporting this charity, we aim to raise awareness of the issue and provide support to those affected by miscarriage.

According to Hannah Barton, HR Director at HealthTrust Europe, “Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at HealthTrust Europe. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the vital role that women play in healthcare and procurement and feel proud of our gender balance at all levels. We remain dedicated to providing opportunities for women (and men) to advance in their careers and regularly review resources and initiatives with the aim of creating a more comfortable, inclusive workplace where all can thrive.”

To find out more about careers with HealthTrust Europe please visit https://www.healthtrusteurope.com/who-we-are/careers/

HealthTrust Europe Raises Over £10,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity

In the News
Posted on

HealthTrust Europe has raised £10,224.05 for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity through various fundraising activities, including a dragon boat race in which the HealthTrust Europe team were silver medallists. The race was organised to raise funds and awareness for the charity, and it brought the company’s employees together to train and compete in the event.

HealthTrust Europe also organised a series of other activities such as raffles, bake sales, pumpkin carving, and dress-down days. These events helped engage employees in the fundraising efforts and raise a significant amount of money for the charity. The funds will go towards supporting the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which provides vital care and treatment to children from across the region.

Dearbhla Craddock, Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said:

“The support HealthTrust Europe has shown for us over the past 12 months has blown us away and we can’t thank them enough.

“Their consistent and dedicated fundraising, including their stellar efforts at our Dragon Boat Race has seen them raise over £10,000 – an awe-inspiring amount which will go on to help us create better experiences for countless sick kids, through the improvement of our hospital environment and helping to fund new equipment and research. Thank you all so much.”

Dale Robinson, HealthTrust Europe’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

“At HealthTrust Europe, we believe in making a positive impact within our local communities and we’re honoured to contribute to the health and well-being of children and families in Birmingham.”

HealthTrust Europe is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves and believes that giving back to society is an important part of its mission and values. The company plans to continue to support charitable causes in 2023, and will shortly announce their chosen charity for focusing on this year.

HealthTrust Europe shortlisted as a finalist for the HSJ Partnership Awards 2023

In the News
Posted on

HealthTrust Europe is delighted to announce that ‘The Upscaling of Digital Pathology Capabilities’ partnership with PathLAKE Plus and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has been shortlisted for ‘Procurement Project of the Year’ at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2023, recognising their outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS.

The national healthcare sector has faced many pressures recently, yet the dedication of this partnership in overcoming complex challenges highlights the enduring dedication to improving patient outcomes.

The outcome of the project partnership is to deliver digital pathology, AI capabilities and laboratory interoperability as part of the OLS Digital Pathology and imaging AI Scale Up Programme across a consortium of 19 NHS Trusts, and to share best practice across the NHS on the upscaling of digital pathology capabilities, leading to improved patient outcomes in pathways such as reducing cancer diagnostic waiting times. The existing procurement route was fragmented and challenging. HealthTrust Europe created an innovative compliant framework employing various creative approaches to a complex and clinically lead procurement process.

Being shortlisted for a HSJ Partnership Award has given our partnership teams acknowledgement for the outstanding work that has, and continues to deliver lifesaving patient outcomes that is nationally reproducible and the team’s efforts and continued work is recognised.

The HSJ Partnership Awards recognise and honour the most effective partnerships, innovative projects and collaborations in the UK health system. The prestigious award programme, now in its sixth year, is not just a celebration of success stories but also a platform to shape the future of our new integrated health and care system.

The judging panel comprised a diverse range of highly regarded figures across the NHS and wider healthcare sector. To be shortlisted as a finalist for these awards, despite tough competition from a pool of brilliant applications, is a mark of real achievement for HealthTrust Europe. The project ‘Upscaling of Digital Pathology Capabilities’ partnership has been selected based on their diligence, ambition, and the positive impact that the project has had on both practitioners and patients within the health care system, and is an example of how HealthTrust Europe creates partnerships across the health and care system.

Dale Robinson, HealthTrust Europe’s COO, said:

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Procurement Project of the Year, recognising the collaborative efforts and dedication of our team to successfully implement ‘The Upscaling of Digital Pathology Capabilities’. We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for patients, and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement.  This nomination has been a tremendous boost to both to our team and our NHS partners at PathLAKE Plus and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and I am sure it will bolster our continued efforts to support the NHS delivery of improved care for patients.”

Dr David Clark, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust’s Clinical Lead for Digital Pathology Implementation, said:

“None of this would have happened without the support of the PathLAKE Plus project funded by Innovate UK and the procurement run by HealthTrust Europe”

Representative for the Department of Health & Social Care, said:

“DHSC are delighted that HealthTrust Europe are being nominated for the Procurement Project of the Year Award in their efforts to scale-up digital pathology services for the NHS as part of the PathLAKE Plus project, as we recognise that better procurement not only provides essential cost savings for a key public sector organisation but also provides better value for money.

Technology is a force for good in our fight against deadly diseases – it can transform and save lives through faster diagnosis, free up clinicians to spend time with their patients and make every pound in the NHS go further.”

Steve Blunden, Cellular and Anatomical Pathology Operations Manager at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said:

“…It is without doubt that working with PathLAKE Plus and Health Trust Europe has greatly improved our understanding of what is needed in order to procure and implement Digital Pathology across the South West Peninsula. HealthTrust Europe guided us through the procurement process…. using lessons they had learnt supporting other partners…”

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan said:

“We would like to congratulate HealthTrust Europe on being nominated in the category of Procurement Project of the Year ahead of HSJ Partnership Awards 2023. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the ceremony in March, to join us in recognising the very best collaborations and innovations in the healthcare sector. This year’s finalists are of an outstanding calibre and all of them are exceptionally dedicated to enhancing healthcare across the UK.”

The winners will be selected following a rigorous judging stage ahead of the HSJ Partnership Awards 2023 awards ceremony. The awards evening is expected to be attended by national healthcare leaders and professionals from both the NHS and private sector as well as figures from non-clinical backgrounds to celebrate innovation and collaboration in healthcare.

Enquiries should be directed to customercare@htepg.com.

Catalog360 awarded as a supplier to UK Government G-Cloud 13 Framework

In the News
Posted on

Catalog360 – a subsidiary of leading procurement company HealthTrust Europe – have been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G-Cloud 13 framework. Catalog360 is an awarded supplier for services under Lot 2 Cloud Software (SaaS) – applications which are accessed over the internet and hosted in the cloud.

G-Cloud 13 is live on the Government’s new Public Procurement Gateway (PPG) digital contract and award service from 9th November 2022. UK government departments and other public sector bodies registered to use the PPG service will be able to access and purchase Catalog360’s innovative cloud-based e-Procurement tool which offers advanced catalogue searching whilst giving users full control on spending across all business units and locations.

Catalog360 connects organisations to the supplier community, radically streamlining the procurement process using a combination of e-Procurement tools that give full control of spending across all business areas and locations. Catalog360 provides the tools to enable customers to manage assets with confidence. Reports and dashboards within the platform enable users to view their total spend at a click of a button, empowering effective decision making, maximising efficiency and keeping costs in check.

The G-Cloud 13 Framework supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. It offers solutions that can be utilised by organisations across the public sector, including – but not limited to – the NHS, government agencies and departments. CCS supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2020/21, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £2.04bn – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.

Chief Operating Officer, Dale Robinson, said:
“We are delighted that Catalog360 has been included in the UK Government Crown Commercial G-Cloud 13 initiative. We look forward to working together with Public sector organisations accessing this framework to help them respond to improve spend controls, embed organisational governance and to realise savings.
“Catalog360 is designed to deliver the greatest cost-savings to organisations, without ever compromising on quality. In the current economic climate, this is vitally important as we seek to maximise efficiencies in the public sector whilst continuing to deliver exceptional services.”

If you would like to learn more about Catalog360, please contact our dedicated Customer Care team via 0845 887 5000 or customercare@htepg.com. You can also find out more on the Catalog360 website.