A new Managed Equipment Service (MES) contract between Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Siemens Healthcare guarantees the hospital's X-ray, CT and MRI services for the next 15 years.

Under the agreement, the main radiology department will have ongoing maintenance of existing systems, a rolling equipment replacement programme and user training for the lifetime of the contract, thus ensuring continuity and updating of services regardless of changes to NHS budgets.

During the first year of the MES contract, five Digital Radiography general X-ray rooms, three mobile X-ray systems, one fluoroscopy suite and six ultrasound devices will be upgraded or replaced.

The existing MRI system will undergo a Siemens TIM (Total Imaging Matrix) upgrade to extend its lifespan and improve its performance. Over time, X-ray equipment will be consolidated into a single department.

"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're confident that Siemens will work closely with us on the 15-year journey ahead."

Philip Peace, Director of Managed Equipment Services at Siemens Healthcare, commented: "Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will now be able to embrace cost savings at the same time as extending its provision of clinical services and competitiveness to patient communities. At the same time, if services or requirements change during the long-term contract, flexible provisions are built in to 'flex-up' or down in tune with needs."

 
Catherine Walsh, Royal Bolton Hospital, and Nancy Burton, Siemens Healthcare