Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), part of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and Siemens Healthineers have announced a multi-million-euro, 20-year agreement to streamline clinical workflows and boost patient care across Belfast and surrounding areas in Northern Ireland. In addition to equipment management, this Value Partnership contains elements such as programmes for clinical services optimization and workforce development.

As its previous managed equipment service contract came to an end, the Trust sought a partner for the future to provide, maintain and replace more than 650 assets from multiple vendors. These include a range of small devices such as patient monitors and syringe pumps as well as diagnostic and interventional radiology equipment. With multi-vendor equipment choice built in, the Value Partnership will ensure delivery of solutions that best fit the clinical needs and preferences of the hospital, where more than 430,000 patients are treated annually. The agreement supports local care in Belfast and regional services for patients across Northern Ireland, including specialist surgery and critical care as well as treatments at the Regional Trauma Center.

Bernie Owens, deputy chief executive at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Ghada Trotabas, managing director at Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, with an imaging system from Siemens Healthineers at Royal Victoria Hospital.

Support from Siemens Healthineers Consulting includes a programme to ensure that equipment and facility design optimize workflow efficiency and clinical outcomes. Additionally, the hospital will introduce a workforce development programme comprising a range of training, education and hands-on learning experiences from Siemens Healthineers. It is designed to support successful recruitment and retention whilst enhancing development and the overall experience for RVH staff.

“Belfast Trust is delighted to enter into this new managed equipment service partnership with Siemens Healthineers, a worldwide provider of healthcare solutions with an established track record in high-level technological services,” said Dr Cathy Jack, chief executive of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. “This investment, over a 20-year period, will ensure the Royal Victoria Hospital continues to provide the highest standard of care to our patients and service users and remains at the leading edge of technological advancements in imaging and medical equipment. We look forward to developing our partnership in the years ahead, with patient safety and experience the central focus.”

Ghada Trotabas, managing director of Siemens Healthineers Great Britain & Ireland, said: “Our agreement with Royal Victoria Hospital underscores our mutual commitment to providing quality care and making a positive impact on the lives of patients in Belfast and its local communities. We will offer Royal Victoria Hospital access to some of the latest innovations in imaging and medical equipment, as well as enhanced technology and software. We look forward to working side by side on improving care delivery and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.”