In early 2003, Chris played a key role in setting up the commercial and financial frameworks for a new private healthcare provider to deliver its UK strategy. After successfully establishing the business, Chris became ever more involved in the pursuing of NHS partnerships and tenders.
One of these tenders related to the provision of a flexible turn key mobile surgery solution. A solution which serviced 45 Primary Care Trusts across 27 sites, 12 hours per day, 6 days per week. This was a tough challenge, how would it be possible to provide services across the UK, in a mobile setting, without cutting corners and managing service delivery costs within the national tariff framework?
The solution is now a familiar one within the NHS but, at the time, it was nothing short of true healthcare innovation. This was a fully-functioning clinic and operating theatre that could be transported right across the country, overnight, ready to deliver services to those patients who struggled with access to care. One much overlooked aspect of this solution is the time in which it was commissioned: 6 weeks after reaching financial close. To give you an example of how difficult that is to achieve without compromising standards, a new trailer configuration and build can take half a year in planning and manufacturing alone.
This solution delivered total flexibility, was quick to set up and had the advantage of providing a combined assessment and treatment package. Costs per procedure offered excellent value for money as the unitary charge reflected a saving of 10% compared with national tariff. The service offered capacity to deliver in excess of 45,000 procedures during the five year contract period.
Chris, through his financial acumen and commercial focus supported the development of a multi million pound business, offering value for money and significant benefits to the sponsoring PCTs. Patients, who previously struggled with access to care could now ultimately benefit from this flexible turn key surgery solution almost brought to their doorstep. Not surprisingly, this project received many acknowledgements and awards for innovation and cost effective service delivery.
The CEO at the time had this to add, “Chris is an exceptional Director with a sophisticated level of knowledge in relation to healthcare, Private Finance Initiatives, NHS initiatives and commercial strategy. He is the only person that I would want on board if I was making strategic decisions.”
