AXREM Hosted Member Networking Event & Gave a Fond Farewell to Two Leading Industry Figures
08 June 2022
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On the afternoon of Tuesday 7th June many AXREM members and special guests from the British Institute of Radiology, British Medical Ultrasound Society, Institute of Physics & Engineering in Medicine, NHS Supply Chain (DHL), Radiotherapy UK, RAD Magazine and the Society of Radiographers attended a networking event in the House of Lords.
Over afternoon tea members were given the opportunity to network and talk more about the work being done by AXREM and industry. We were honored that Baroness Walmsley and Lord Rennard were also in attendance, and during speeches Baroness Walmsley spoke of the important work that AXREM are doing around sustainability, artificial intelligence, and radiotherapy.
Ila Dobson in her speech said “AXREM has evolved and grown over the last 2 years, and we are now able to offer our members a wide variety of engagement, meetings, and events throughout the year. The special focus groups have become more engaged and very proactive with them producing a whole range of position statements, best practice guidance and other useful resources which can be used by industry, professionals, and patients. And patients are as we all know at the heart of everything we do”.
Ila Dobson went on to also outline some of the achievements of AXREM over the last 12 months which included:
- AXREM have hosted over 65 member meetings (SFG’s, working groups, dinners, updates & events).
- AXREM has attended over 100 external meetings, and this doesn’t include those meetings that members represent the association such as standards group and the National Imaging Board etc. (MP’s, DHSC, MHRA, NICE, DiT, NHS E & I, SCCL, Imaging & Oncology Forum Chaired by our Director).
- AXREM hosted 2 events at last year’s UKIO including a virtual awards event hosted by Bill Turnbull and a debate at the BMUS virtual event in December. We were also invited to a breakfast with BBC News Editor for Health, Hugh Pym.
- We have increased our profile especially on social media where we have seen an increase in our followers over the last year on Twitter of 35% and on LinkedIn a 145% increase, we have also created a Facebook Page and YouTube channel as well as launch our own AXREM App.
- In the last 3 years we have seen a 105% increase in our membership.
- We have published many papers and position statements including manifestos for our AI SFG and Radiotherapy SFG.
- We have launched the AXREM Member Accreditation Scheme (AMA) in April, and 17 companies have now registered almost 2000 registrants, this scheme will save the NHS thousands of pounds and become the most comprehensively adopted register in our industry.
- Our Director Sally Edgington won the Outstanding Contribution Award at the National Trade Association Forums Awards in February.
The event was also organised to celebrate the retirement of two leading industry professionals and figure heads, Charlie McCaffrey who is retiring from his role as Commercial Director at Philips Healthcare at the end of June and Peter Harrison who has just retired as Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers.
Sally Edgington, AXREM Director said “When I started with AXREM 3 years ago I quickly established that there were some key members who not only champion AXREM but that also give up a lot of their own time, alongside their busy roles, to help and support AXREM activities. Charlie McCaffrey and Peter Harrison are two people that have done just that for many years, and I can only talk about my experiences for the last 3, but I can honestly say both have been supportive of AXREM and my role”.
Sally went on to say about Charlie McCaffrey “Charlie, you have been a pillar of strength to AXREM over many years when I know you have previously been Chairman, but especially the last year during your time as Vice Chair, your ethical and honest approach means you are cherished by all who speak so highly of you in our industry. Your knowledge and experience of the industry and AXREM has been a valuable asset to not only members but me personally, and for that I thank you”.
“Your openness to change and develop AXREM and work closely with Ila Dobson and myself will always be appreciated and I hope you take pride in knowing that you are leaving AXREM in a positive place”.
Charlie McCaffrey has also been instrumental in writing the AXREM Manifesto which is due to be published at UKIO in July.
Sally said of Peter Harrison “I have the upmost respect for all the hard work you have put into AXREM over many years and the support you have shown me, in every discussion we’ve had I know you have industry and AXREM’s interests front and centre. Your work more recently with the credentialing project for which without your help and support the AXREM Members Accreditation Scheme would not have got off the ground, I thank you on behalf of AXREM and our members, as this will ultimately save companies and the NHS significant costs and will be a positive legacy for you to leave behind”.
“Your direct and honest approach has helped me understand AXREM priorities and develop the association in line with the wants and dreams of our membership, and that has helped developed me, my vision and in turn develop AXREM”.
Both Peter Harrison and Charlie McCaffrey were presented with a gift from AXREM and a card that had been signed by many members and colleagues.
On concluding the speeches Sally Edgington, AXREM Director spoke about the future of AXREM and advised that she sees many opportunities and is looking forward to working with members and key external stakeholders to achieve greater things. Sally also passed her thanks to Ila Dobson, AXREM Chair and Director Strategic Accounts, NHS Supply Chain, Procurement, Government Relations at GE Healthcare and advised that Ila’s commitment to AXREM has been vital, especially over the last 2 year since being Chair and during the period of COVID and then the significant transformation we have gone through as an organisation.
ENDS