Asteral appointed to HTE framework for MES
MES and MMS solutions to help health trusts meet rising equipment costs
Asteral has been appointed to the HealthTrust Europe Framework Agreement (HTE); the first managed equipment services (MES) framework to go live in the UK.
The company will be supplying both MES and managed maintenance services (MMS) to the framework, creating bespoke equipment and service solutions that deliver cost savings and improved quality to trusts seeking ways to access new technology or maintain existing and new equipment more efficiently.
The HTE framework offers trusts a new means to secure high-value equipment and services, avoiding costly, time-consuming and complex procurement processes. Approved suppliers have to meet strict criteria compliance through an Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) tender, with every aspect of their service, experience and contract examined to ensure the business can deliver best value. This includes being able to construct and deliver VAT recovery for trusts within an MES solution.
Asteral chief executive, Christopher Langley, said: “More and more trusts are starting to realise the saving and performance benefits of MES, particularly now that it is available over shorter terms and for smaller projects. We are seeing an increasing number of MRI and CT MES with terms from just seven years.”
The HTE framework offers trusts a new means to secure high-value equipment and services, avoiding costly, time-consuming and complex procurement processes
Under the framework, each trust’s requirements will go through a mini tender process via the online system, Bravo, with the most favourable response being chosen from among the framework members. The whole procurement process can be completed in just 28 days.
Langley said: “Inclusion of our managed maintenance service in the framework allows trusts to consider alternative competitive pricing for OEM maintenance without having to embrace third party providers. Trusts can now secure an alternative comparative quote for supply and maintenance of their hig- value medical equipment with ease. Through this new Framework we look forward to helping more trusts achieve savings.”
