Alliance Medical – Best Medical Service Outsourcer FINALIST– 2017

JURY’S REASONING

Alliance Medical (“AML”) is Europe’s leading independent provider of imaging services operating across the continent – in the UK, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Scandinavia.

AML successfully launched its national contract to deliver PET/CT services to 60% of England from late 2015. The contract brings local access to patients to diagnostics, addressing the historic inequalities and variations in access. The aim over the next 10 years is to work with clinicians to continuously improve standards and quality, providing a world class service for all.

The new service operates out of 30 locations and has provided NHS Trusts nationwide with an end-to-end diagnostic service, with new technology and facilities, streamlined operations, an expanded and better-trained workforce, a wider choice of isotopes and enhanced research capabilities.

Since the commencement of the contract, AML has introduced additional PET/CT imaging capacity and has provided over 56,000 PET/CT scans during 2016, a growth of 50% for AML year-on-year.

Application

Briefly describe the organisation giving the number of facilities, staff, revenue numbers.

Alliance Medical (“AML”) is Europe’s leading independent provider of imaging services operating across the continent – in the UK, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Scandinavia. Established in 1989, we provide a proven, scalable business model, exceptional service, outstanding value for money and technical excellence. In November 2016, AML was acquired by Life Healthcare, a leading South African healthcare provider. Life’s vision is to be a market leading, international, diversified, healthcare provider focused on delivering sustainable, high quality and cost-effective healthcare. Over the past few years, they have expanded into mental health, acute physical rehabilitation, renal dialysis and oncology. Combining with Alliance Medical is a natural part of this diversification strategy. During 2016 the AML group delivered revenue of c. £230m through its various countries: UK: Employing 1,000 staff, AML UK operates 52 static diagnostic imaging centres and 57 mobile diagnostic imaging units throughout the country. Italy: Employing 450 staff, AML Italy provides multiple imaging services at 30 sites throughout the country. Ireland: Employing 185 staff, AML Ireland operates 13 imaging centres. Northern Europe (Germany & Holland): Employing 50 staff, AML Northern Europe operates a fleet of interim and mobile diagnostic imaging units. In addition, it operates four x-ray screening facilities on behalf of local authorities.

Please describe precisely what medical services have been outsourced.

AML successfully launched its national contract to deliver PET/CT services to 60% of England from late 2015. The contract brings local access to patients (within a one-hour drive), to cutting-edge diagnostics, addressing the historic inequalities and variations in access. Our aim over the next 10 years is to work with clinicians to continuously improve standards and quality, providing a world class service for all. The new service operates out of 30 locations and has provided NHS Trusts nationwide with an end-to-end diagnostic service, with new technology and facilities, streamlined operations, an expanded and better-trained workforce, a wider choice of isotopes and enhanced research capabilities.
Delivered through a clinically-led collaborative network in partnership with The Christie School of Oncology, local NHS Trusts and other partners, we are collectively focused on enhancing PET/CT provision and demonstrably improving cancer survival rates in the UK.
The successful launch of the new service represents the initial stage in our £80 million investment, providing the platform for the transition in 2016 to an installed, ‘static’ and future-proofed infrastructure.

The service is delivered by circa 150 Alliance Medical staff alongside NHS colleagues at sub-contracted sites.

Who is the client?

NHS.

Please describe the contract.

In January 2015, NHS England selected a collaborative network led by Alliance Medical to provide PET-CT scanning services for 10 years across 30 locations in England, following a competitive tender process. As part of the deal, the consortium will improve the current PET-CT infrastructure and delivery as well as providing first class training and education for radiographers and technologists through an innovative School of Oncology hosted by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
In 2016, the contract delivered £27m revenue.

Please describe overall the impact of the outsourcing contract so far.

Since the commencement of the contract, AML has introduced additional PET/CT imaging capacity and has provided over 56,000 PET/CT scans during 2016, a growth of 50% for AML year-on-year.

Our delivery model has also improved turnaround times from referral to report with circa 97% of patients regularly progressing through the imaging pathway within 7 working days, of which circa 80% progress within 5 working days. In practice, we have delivered our 2018 objective two years ahead of schedule.