Author: ECD5159

Women comprise nearly three-quarters of the NHS workforce and play a critical role in the healthcare industry more broadly. Yet, despite this, senior leadership positions are dominated by men and women continue to face persistent barriers to their career progression.

This can be due to overt barriers that inhibit one’s advancement and those that are more subtle and deeply ingrained into social norms and perceptions around the role of women. This not only has an impact on a woman’s career prospects but also has broader implications for the way that health and care services are delivered across the country. Indeed, the lack of women in senior leadership positions affects policy decisions and, therefore, health outcomes.

Creating safe and open spaces where women can come together to have honest discussions about their experiences as members of the healthcare workforce is crucial to overcoming these challenges and establishing a truly inclusive industry, with opportunities for all its workers at all levels.

At HealthTrust Europe, we are committed to being the change we wish to see. With 55% of our employees being women, and women comprising 57% of colleagues in sourcing management positions and 44% of our Executive Leadership, we have a strong track record of supporting women into senior leadership roles. We are dedicated to using our resources to advocate for other organizations to make similar progress.

We are proud partners to the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA) whose new Women’s Network has been transforming the sector by encouraging and supporting women to develop meaningful and enriching careers in the healthcare sector. HealthTrust Europe’s former Vice President for Strategic Sourcing delivered the keynote speech at the HCSA’s Women’s Network Conference 2023, and we are delighted to announce that we will be returning to exhibit at this year’s Women’s Network Conference on Wednesday 4th September.

The theme of this year’s Conference is Empowering Excellence: Navigating Challenges Building Connections and will be focused on driving excellence within the field to ensure it delivers the best outcomes for both its workforce and patients.

The Conference also presents a valuable opportunity to unite the sector in celebration of the contributions and achievements of women in healthcare whilst creating space for shared learning and for women to discuss their lived experiences. This sense of community is crucial to supporting women, making the healthcare industry transparent and honest, and fostering collaboration amongst professionals from all backgrounds and specialisms.

There is always more we can do as an organisation and wider industry to support women in the workforce. We welcome any attendees at this year’s conference interested in these topics to visit our stand and find out more about how HealthTrust Europe is supporting women in reaching their full potential.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and HealthTrust Europe (‘HTE’) are pleased to jointly announce the agreement to collaborate on an ICS delivery partnership, following a detailed partner review process.

The partnership will see HTE engaged as the ICS’s commercial procurement partner, alongside NHS Supply Chain, leading on programme and strategic sourcing activities to support the collaborative delivery of high-quality, best value contracts to NHS providers across the region.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, the integrated care board (ICB) for the region is responsible for planning NHS services for a population of over 2.7 million people. Working alongside the wider integrated care partnership, the ICB has four key aims:

• Improve outcomes in population health and healthcare
• Tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience, and access
• Enhance productivity and value for money
• Help the NHS support broader social and economic development

The partnership will focus on supporting the 16 NHS providers to drive a wide ranging and exciting programme of work to deliver strategic sourcing activity aligned to ICS targets and outcomes. The programme is expected to deliver a range of financial and non-financial benefits to the region, utilising HTE resources, technology, and capability in synergy with system resource, networks, and governance to accelerate time to value.

Gary Welch, Chief Executive Officer at HealthTrust Europe, said:

“HealthTrust Europe’s partnership with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is a really exciting opportunity for us to bring our knowledge and expertise in procurement services to enhance service delivery and foster better outcomes for patients across the area”.

Sue Colbeck, Chief Procurement Officer at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:

“I am delighted to announce our partnership with HTE, which will enhance our expertise and procurement function to deliver health and care solutions that will not only improve outcomes for patients across Cheshire and Merseyside, but also align with our strategic goals.”

The longer-term benefits of the partnership include the transfer of knowledge and skills to leverage specific expertise within the ICS, providing greater competition for every pound spent. This will support NHS providers with protection from supply failures and better controls on price increases, enabling greater efficiency and effectiveness. 

HealthTrust Europe is proud to be partnering with Young at Heart as its charity of the year for 2024. The Birmingham-based charity has been supporting the families of children with heart conditions for over 40 years, helping to connect people with shared experiences and raise money for vital, life-saving equipment.

Over the course of the next 9-months, HealthTrust Europe’s team will pursue a range of activities to raise funds for this cause, echoing the Young at Heart ethos of ‘giving, not taking’. This is the seventh consecutive year that HealthTrust Europe has partnered with an annual charity and builds on the donation of £6,333 to last year’s charity partner, the Miscarriage Association.

The Young at Heart Charity was established in 1982 by a group of parents of children with heart conditions, with the mission of offering additional support to other families in similar situations. Since this time, and through partnerships with organisations like HealthTrust Europe, the charity has been able to provide a forum for families to meet socially for trips, parties, and other events.

The Charity has also been responsible for much of the progress made in cardiac services in the Birmingham-region, including in increasing intensive care beds, providing INR (International Normalised Ratio) machines, fundraising £2 million for a hybrid operating theatre, and providing defibrillators to families and to Birmingham’s Children Hospital.

The work of the Young at Heart Charity has helped patients with heart conditions to access the facilities and care they need, closer to home. This not only improves healthcare outcomes and quality of life, but also provides essential support to the families of patients with heart conditions.

Claire Donnelly, Chair of Trustees: “We are delighted to have been chosen as HealthTrust Europe’s charity partner and we look forward to working with the team of volunteers to fundraise as much as possible for Young at Heart over the course of the year.”

Geoffrey Brown, Portfolio Lead at HealthTrust Europe: “We are honoured to be working with the Young at Heart Charity this year to improve the lives of young people with heart conditions and their families.

Volunteering is a crucial way to support the local community, and we’re proud to be in the seventh year of our annual charity partnership programme, demonstrating our commitment to charitable endeavours

Over the next twelve months, our team will be delivering a variety of activities to help fundraise for the Young at Heart Charity and we look forward to building on our record of charitable giving.”

The NHS functions on a large scale, with hundreds of thousands of employees in diverse roles and departments. Handling payroll for this extensive workforce poses distinct challenges, such as intricate pay systems, different working hours, and strict regulations. Given the ever-changing healthcare regulations and compliance standards, precise payroll management within the NHS demands careful attention to detail. It is crucial to guarantee precise payments, follow tax laws, and adhere to NHS-specific regulations. 

Like many public healthcare systems, the NHS faces budget constraints, requiring careful allocation of resources. Balancing payroll expenses with other operational costs while ensuring fair compensation for staff remains a challenge, demanding strategic financial planning and efficiency measures. Recruiting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals is crucial for the NHS success. HR departments can attract and retain employees by implementing recruitment strategies, offering competitive benefits, and prioritising professional development opportunities. 

Effective HR service solutions are essential for sustaining a motivated and efficient workforce in the NHS. HR departments support healthcare professionals and staff through recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee development. The NHS workforce is made up of individuals from various backgrounds and professions, each with distinct payroll needs. Balancing these diverse requirements while upholding fairness and equality presents a notable challenge, highlighting the need for adaptable payroll solutions and effective communication practices. 

HealthTrust Europe’s Payroll Management and HR Service Solutions offer a comprehensive range of options for public sector organisations looking to streamline their payroll and HR processes. Whether it’s a Fully Managed Payroll Service, a Bureau Service, or a Hybrid payroll solution, there is flexibility to meet the unique needs of each organisation. In addition to payroll services, there is the opportunity to incorporate HR Supplementary services to further enhance the management of employee pay, pensions, and administration. 

With a focus on ESR compatibility for NHS organisations and other public sector entities, the framework agreement covers a wide array of payroll management services which comprises a variable blend of functions including managing Joiners, Permanent and Temporary Variations, Expenses, Overpayments, Underpayments, Leavers, Sickness or Injury, Maternity, Paternity or Adoption. The agreement also addresses payroll reconciliation, Attachment of Earnings deductions, and Service Optimisation to ensure smooth and efficient operations. 

This agreement is accessible to any named HealthTrust Europe members, NHS bodies, local authorities, government departments, and non-departmental public bodies. By leveraging these services, organisations can improve their back-office operations and focus on delivering essential services to the community. 

To learn more about how HealthTrust Europe’s Total Workforce solutions can benefit your organisation, please contact customercare@htepg.com or call 0845 887 5000. 

We are pleased to announce that our Total Workforce Solutions II Framework Agreement has been extended for a further twelve months to 25th January 2025.  

TWS II supports health and care providers to deliver their local or regional resourcing strategy by providing free of charge access to innovative market solutions, a team of workforce experts and a robust set of terms and conditions that embed quality assurance provisions, data protection controls and sustainable best value. 

In conjunction with the break in the contract at extension, we have taken the opportunity to appraise our awarded suppliers and consolidate the list to those that have demonstrated capability during the initial term of the framework agreement. You can access the complete list of suppliers here. 

HealthTrust Europe is committed to delivering high quality workforce services to our healthcare partners in conjunction with our awarded supplier community. We want to work cohesively and transparently with all, please help us in supporting you to deliver the agreement proactively. If you need any further information or wish to discuss any aspect of this notice, please call us on 0845 887 5000 or email customer.care@htepg.com with your query or requirements. 

Birmingham, UK – HealthTrust Europe, a leading procurement organisation and strategic supply chain partner for healthcare providers and the wider public sector, is delighted to announce the appointment of Emma James as its new Chief Commercial Officer, effective May 2024.

With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years in procurement and supply chain management within the public sector, Emma brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at HealthTrust Europe. Prior to her appointment, Emma has notably contributed to the procurement field through her roles in purchasing consortia within education and local government, and most recently, at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where she served as Director of Procurement and Supply Chain for four years.

Emma is a celebrated figure in the procurement community, having been honoured with a Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply in recognition of her outstanding dedication and contributions to the profession. She holds CIPS qualifications and a Master’s in Public Procurement Law & Policy, and is currently advancing her knowledge further with an Executive MBA in Leadership & Management from Hult Ashridge Business School.

HealthTrust Europe, headquartered in Birmingham, prides itself on its proven track record of delivering premier procurement solutions that enhance operational efficiencies, foster cost savings, enable access to innovative technologies, and bolster the performance of public sector services. Partnering with over 2,500 suppliers, HealthTrust Europe is a trusted procurement ally to more than 1,000 organisations.

The addition of Emma James to the leadership team underscores HealthTrust Europe’s commitment to excellence and innovation in procurement and supply chain management. Emma’s extensive background and forward-thinking approach will be instrumental in driving the organisation’s mission to support healthcare providers and the public sector in achieving their operational and strategic goals.

About HealthTrust Europe:

HealthTrust Europe is a leading procurement partner, specialising in healthcare and public sector procurement solutions. Based in Birmingham, the company supports over 1,000 organisations by providing cost-effective procurement strategies, access to innovative technologies, and a commitment to operational excellence.

For further information, please contact: 0845 887 5000

HealthTrust Europe is a company that takes its corporate social responsibility seriously. For six consecutive years, the company has been striving to positively impact the communities it serves, selecting a charity to support each calendar year

This year’s proceeds will go to The Miscarriage Association, a UK-based charity that provides support and information to people affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy. HealthTrust Europe’s donation will help the charity to continue providing vital services to those in need.

During the cheque handover ceremony, representatives from HealthTrust Europe and Karn Dyson from The Miscarriage Association gathered to celebrate the partnership and express their mutual dedication to making a difference to families across the community.

The Miscarriage Association’s Fundraising Manager, Karn Dyson, was delighted to visit a recent “All Hands” meeting at HealthTrust Europe’s Edgbaston site to be presented with the cheque and thank colleagues for their generosity. During this meeting, she also shared details of how the funds would be utilised.

Karn said, “The Miscarriage Association is a national charity providing support and information to anyone who is affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. It provides staffed helpline services, in-person and online peer support groups, a comprehensive website, patient information leaflets, and training for healthcare professionals and employers.

“The £6,333 raised by HealthTrust Europe will go a long way towards supporting over 8,000 direct contact service users and helping to provide some of the 250,000 free leaflets we supply to the NHS each year. The team at Health Trust Europe was warm and welcoming. It showed a real interest and passion for fundraising in the workplace to help others in challenging situations. Thank you all for your generosity and hard work; it really is appreciated.”

The funds raised resulted from the Peak District Charity Walk, HealthTrust Europe Bake Off, Fundraising Raffle and many other event contributions, showcasing the company’s financial commitment and enthusiasm of its employees, which the ceremony’s attendees agreed demonstrated a corporate culture that values social responsibility and actively engages in initiatives to support the wider community.

Vivek Jain, Chief Financial Officer of HealthTrust Europe, said:

“We firmly believe in making a positive impact within our local communities and we are honoured to have been able to make a small difference to the lives of families across Birmingham. I am very grateful to colleagues across HealthTrust Europe who took part in the fundraising activities throughout 2023 and look forward to continuing our efforts to support important causes in the year ahead.”

Employees from the leading healthcare business HealthTrust Europe, which is based in Edgbaston, have raised over £2,700 for the Miscarriage Association from embarking on an ambitious sponsored walk in the Peak District.

The walk aimed to raise funds for the crucial support the Miscarriage Association provides to individuals and families affected by the loss of a baby in pregnancy. The team at HealthTrust Europe initially set a fundraising target of £1,500 for the walk but, after receiving overwhelming support from donors, the team exceeded this goal to help the charity to expand its reach and impact. This will go far towards reaching HealthTrust Europe’s £5,000 goal for the year.

The walk for the Miscarriage Association, which is HealthTrust Europe’s named charity for 2023, kicked off from Bakewell in the Peak District. The route, known as the ‘Lathkill Loop,’ spans over 7 miles with a climb of over 500 feet.

A total of seven team members from HealthTrust Europe participated in the walk, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the Miscarriage Association’s vital work. The team also hopes to raise awareness of the organisation, which offers vital support to those experiencing miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy.

Tragically, an estimated one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and more are lost through ectopic and molar pregnancy. The Miscarriage Association believes that pregnancy loss matters. They work tirelessly to provide support, resources, and advocacy to those in need, and use their influence to make a difference.

HealthTrust Europe has a proud history of supporting charitable causes through walks and other charitable initiatives. In a similar event in 2019, the team walked to Snowden, which contributed to them raising a total of over £10,000 that year for the mental health charity Mind. They also raised over £10,000 last year in support Birmingham Children’s Hospital through activities which included taking part in a Dragon Boat Race.

To support HealthTrust Europe’s fundraising activities for the Miscarriage Association, please visit HTE fundraiser for The Miscarriage Association fundraising for The Miscarriage Association on JustGiving

Speaking of the walk, Manesha, Senior Customer Care Specialist at HealthTrust Europe said:
“We had a wonderful day in the Peak District with colleagues to raise money for such a fantastic cause. We walked 12.73km and it took us 5hr.16mins, the weather was challenging however we were determined to finish the walk as we know it was for such a great cause”.

Karn Dyson, Fundraising Manager for the Miscarriage Association, said:  “We were absolutely delighted when staff at Health Trust Europe nominated us as their charity of the year for 2023.  Their continued support throughout the year has been hugely beneficial in helping us to continue to support those who need us the most at what can be a very difficult and lonely time.  The teams sponsored Peak District walk, during one of the wettest weekends of the summer, must have really tested their resilience and commitment to helping our charity, and we recognise their hard work in planning, organising, and completing such a challenging event.  We are really grateful to the team at Health Trust Europe for their amazing support, and for signposting people to our services.

Well done, and a heartfelt thanks, to all!”