AXREM Host Hugely Successful Sustainability & Social Value Conference

14 July 2023

AXREM is the UK trade association representing the interests of suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy, healthcare IT, patient monitoring and care equipment in the UK. AXREM established a Sustainability Special Focus Group last year and the interest and work has been growing.

On a lovely summers day at The Royal College of Radiologists, AXREM hosted a Sustainability and Social Value Conference, with almost 50 attendees. The day started with Sally Edgington, AXREM CEO welcoming guests, and Chris Taylor, AXREM Sustainability SFG Convenor hosted a short session on a circular economy, which is something the association have started work on looking at the guiding principles.

During the day we welcomed some fabulous speakers including Lisa Dittmar & Daphne de Leener from NHS England, Heidi Barnard from NHS Supply Chain, Sarah Joy Newton from Amethyst Connect, Dr Richard Hixson from Healthcare Ocean, Alan Wain from EPSCOT and Leyoh Goodall from the Social Value Portal. All sessions throughout the day were based upon feedback from members and covered areas they needed more information and help on.

The day also offered fantastic networking opportunities during breaks and lunch, enabling members and speakers to have informal discussion, and what was great, was seeing so many people all wanting to achieve the same things working together to find solutions.

The day ended with a panel discussion with all of the days speakers, this was an engaging two way conversation, which could have gone on for far more time than allocated and has given AXREM some clear resulting actions, we are also looking forward to working with the speakers and their organisation’s moving forward, to ensure we all reach net zero together.

Chris Taylor, AXREM Sustainability Convenor said “We were thrilled to have the first AXREM Sustainability and Social Value Conference, which I had the honor of chairing, as well as speaking on the subject of a Circular Economy.

The event brought together AXREM members, NHS England, NHS Supply Chain, as well as industry experts in the areas of Social Value and Sustainability, who all shared their passion and knowledge to help AXREM members drive positive change in our Industry, as well as supporting the NHS in its Net Zero ambitions and making the world a better place for all.

A big thank you to all our speakers for their insightful presentations, and collaborative discussions, where we collectively discussed the key sustainable and socially value challenges effecting our Industry and helping our members create a more responsible Industry.

This conference marks a significant milestone in AXREM and our Industries journey, towards supporting a Net Zero NHS and creating a more sustainable world. Together, we have set the stage for continued progress and impact, that will leave a lasting legacy of sustainability and social value for all”.

Sally Edgington, AXREM Chief Executive Officer said “I am really proud to have hosted a day that offered our members important information and discussion on such important topics. AXREM have achieved a lot since we set up the sustainability special focus group, but we have a lot more we want to do. The day has provided some clear direction on where industry can make a difference, and opportunities to help the decision makers understand how industry can achieve net zero and good social value. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Chris Taylor and the group so set best practice, show what good looks like and feel excited and motivated”.