This episode of AXREM Insights focuses on the current state of the UK stroke pathway, featuring insights from Michelle Dalmacio of the Stroke Association. The discussion highlights the scale of the challenge, with over 100,000 strokes each year and growing demand placing pressure on services. While effective treatments such as thrombectomy can significantly improve recovery and reduce disability, access remains inconsistent, with only a small percentage of eligible patients receiving it and limited 24/7 availability across centres. The conversation explores how workforce shortages, regional inequalities, and gaps in community rehabilitation continue to impact patient outcomes, reinforcing the need for coordinated national action.

Alongside these challenges, the episode emphasises the opportunity for innovation to transform stroke care. Advanced imaging, AI-driven decision-making, and tele-radiology are presented as key tools to support faster diagnosis, better triage, and more equitable access to specialist treatment. The importance of the full care pathway is a central theme, particularly the role of rehabilitation and community support in long-term recovery. The episode also underlines the importance of public awareness, encouraging recognition of stroke symptoms through the FAST test and stressing that stroke is a medical emergency where rapid action can save lives and improve outcomes.

View our State of the Stroke Pathway paper here

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.

In this episode of Axrem Insights, CEO Sally Edgington is joined by Holly Ruddock, Jack Bond and value-based procurement expert Brian Mangan, CEO of Luach Consulting Group, to unpack what value-based procurement really means for the NHS and industry. Moving beyond buzzwords, the panel explores how procurement can shift from a narrow focus on price to a broader assessment of patient pathways, long-term outcomes, efficiency gains and environmental impact. At its heart, value-based procurement is about delivering tangible, measurable benefits that improve care while making smarter use of limited resources.

The discussion tackles common barriers including siloed budgets, data access, cultural resistance and the perception that value-based approaches cost more. The panel highlights the growing policy momentum behind the agenda, including pilots and increased focus on outcomes, and makes the case that now is the time for suppliers to build evidence, develop case studies and reframe conversations with procurement teams. For AXREM members and NHS stakeholders alike, this episode offers a practical and optimistic look at how collaboration, communication and better questions can unlock real system-wide value.

AXREM Value Based Procurement Paper

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.

In this episode of AXREM Insights, Melanie Johnson and guest host Anna Vaughan are joined by Linda Carruthers, Head of Oncology Physics at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, to explore how patient safety in radiotherapy has evolved and the challenges it now faces. Linda reflects on the major technological advances that have transformed radiotherapy safety, alongside a cultural shift towards openness, learning and true multidisciplinary working. She highlights how end-to-end testing, human factors thinking and a no-blame culture have become essential in identifying risks early and embedding safer practice across the entire patient pathway.

The conversation also looks ahead, examining the pressures of rising demand, increasing treatment complexity and rapid technological change, including the growing role of AI. Linda stresses that patient safety depends on combining innovation with human expertise, careful governance and collaboration across clinical teams, suppliers and organisations like AXREM. The episode reinforces the importance of shared learning, standardisation and partnership in ensuring that safety improvements are not only discussed, but consistently implemented for the benefit of patients across the NHS.

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.

In this festive AXREM Insights Christmas Special, Melanie Johnson is joined by AXREM CEO Sally Edgington, Chair Huw Shurmer and Vice Chair Jeevan Gunaratnam to reflect on an extraordinary year for AXREM and the wider medtech community. Through a series of light-hearted “unofficial awards”, the panel looks back on standout moments from 2025, including milestone membership growth, the Million Steps Challenge, UKIO, the Women’s Network, and the growing influence of AXREM with government, the NHS and key stakeholders. It’s a celebratory conversation that captures the energy, community spirit and shared purpose that has defined the year.

Looking ahead to 2026, the discussion turns to the opportunities and challenges facing imaging and healthcare technology, from workforce pressures and AI adoption to capital investment, cybersecurity and equitable access to innovation. The episode closes with reflections on leadership, legacy and patient impact, alongside a festive quick-fire round and heartfelt messages of thanks to AXREM members and the wider medtech family. A warm, honest and uplifting end-of-year episode that celebrates people, progress and the difference medtech makes to patient care

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.

This episode of AXREM Insights spotlights Action for Children, AXREM’s Charity of the Year for 2025. Sally Edgington speaks with Sophie Creswell and Ally McLaren, who outline the charity’s mission to ensure every child in the UK has a safe, happy childhood. They discuss Action for Children’s four key service areas: family support, care for children entering the care system, support for disabled children, and mental health interventions such as the Blues Programme. The conversation highlights the staggering number of children living in poverty and the essential role early intervention plays in preventing long-term harm.

The episode also celebrates the success of AXREM’s Million Steps Challenge and other inspiring fundraising efforts by members and partners. Through stories from participants including Evie Eccles, Aidan Pearce and Dan Snape, listeners hear how the challenge not only raised vital funds but also showcased community spirit, creativity and determination. The episode closes by emphasising the impact of Action for Children’s work, promoting upcoming fundraising opportunities such as Secret Santa, and offering a warm, personal reflection on why supporting vulnerable families matters now more than ever

ACTION FOR CHILDREN Secret Santa quick donation here

Action for Children Website

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.

In this episode of AXREM Insights, Sally Edgington is joined by Future Leaders Evie Eccles and Luke Wallin to explore the critical issue of cyber security in healthcare. Their guests, Martin Jarvis from the National Cyber Security Operations Centre at NHS England and Bob Child, AXREM Cyber Security Working Group convener, offer a detailed look into the increasing cyber threats faced by the NHS. Martin discusses the nature of current attacks, the role of credentials in major breaches, and how the Cyber Security Operations Centre responds to incidents with rapid coordination, technical investigation, and clinical risk awareness. Bob complements this with an industry perspective, highlighting why suppliers must prioritise security, keep systems updated, collaborate effectively, and align with NHS England’s cybersecurity charter.

The conversation also explores NHS England’s efforts to raise awareness, the importance of partnership with suppliers, and practical guidance to help organisations strengthen their defences. From MFA and patching to log retention and incident planning, Martin outlines the everyday, methodical work required to stay ahead of attackers. The episode finishes on a lighter note with the podcast’s signature quirky question, letting listeners learn a little more about the guests outside their cyber security expertise. The result is a comprehensive and accessible discussion that underscores cyber security as not just a technical requirement, but a shared responsibility tied directly to patient safety.

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.

In this episode of AXREM Insights, CEO Sally Edgington and Future Leaders representative Paige Ward speak with Alan Davies, Executive Advisor to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Health Innovation Network, about innovation and adoption in healthcare technology. Alan reflects on his extensive experience across health, IT, and AI, sharing how advances in diagnostic imaging—particularly the integration of biomarkers with AI—are transforming early cancer detection. He stresses that while automation in diagnostics offers efficiency and accuracy, maintaining clinician oversight and algorithm transparency is vital for safety and public confidence. The discussion also explores how community diagnostic centres, clearer regulatory frameworks, and better patient education can enhance early diagnosis and equity in access to care.

The conversation turns to the systemic challenges that hinder innovation adoption across the NHS, from complex procurement and fragmented processes to inconsistent regulatory understanding. Alan and Sally discuss how standardisation, collaboration, and value-based procurement could help align NHS and industry efforts for faster, safer technology rollout. They also explore the importance of “appropriate confidence” in AI—balancing trust in technology with human judgement—and how clinician and patient engagement underpin successful innovation. Alan closes with a thought-provoking idea: using autonomous vehicles to support the independence and wellbeing of older adults, demonstrating how technology can enhance quality of life as well as healthcare outcomes.

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.

In this State of the Nation episode of AXREM Insights, Sally Edgington and guest presenter Ehren Pawley are joined by Huw Shurmer, Chair of AXREM, and Jeevan Gunaratnam, Vice Chair, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing UK healthcare.

The conversation reflects on the findings of AXREM’s State of the Nation Report, authored by the Future Leaders Council, which highlights issues such as governance reforms, outdated technology, and the complexities of embedding AI in the NHS. The guests discuss how innovation, smarter procurement, and closer collaboration between industry, government and clinicians can help to protect patient safety while improving productivity.

The episode also looks at the future of cancer care, digital transformation and the role of medtech suppliers in enabling prevention, community-based services, and AI-driven efficiencies. Referencing AXREM’s AI Manifesto and the Cyber Security Strategy, the panel emphasise the need for trust, responsible adoption and long-term investment. Listeners are encouraged to engage with AXREM’s work and see how industry collaboration can support the NHS to deliver better outcomes for patients now and in the years ahead.

Head to our Linkedin Page and let us know your thoughts on the post for this episode.

The RCR Conference takes place on the 29th and 30th of June 2026 at the QEII in London. you can find out all about it here. Don't forget to ask about AXREM member discounts

Thanks for listening to this week's episode

To find out more about AXREM check out our website HERE
If you are interested in joining AXREM as a member CLICK HERE
To contact us CLICK HERE

And join us next time for more insights from industry.