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The importance of a partnership versus a supplier relationship

In business, especially healthcare, a partnership goes beyond supply and demand. It’s a collaborative relationship built on shared goals. Partnerships aim for mutual growth and adaptability, unlike a simple supplier relationship that is focused on transactions.

At Agile Medical, we prioritise a partnership approach. Our LISTEN | DESIGN | SUPPORT model is central to how we work with clients like Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust, which has partnered with us since 2017.

 

So, what makes a good partnership relationship?

In a partnership, both parties are invested in each other’s success. This mutual investment delivers solutions that are better aligned with the customer’s needs and challenges, resulting in sustainable improvements rather than quick fixes.

Three core principles guide successful partnerships:

  1. Collaboration
    Partnerships mean working with a broader group, not just one buyer or decision-maker.At Agile, we go beyond product requests and include input from those who use the equipment. This collaborative approach allows us to ‘get under the skin’ of the issues and needs. With our years of experience, we can make proactive suggestions that may not have been considered.
  2. Information sharing
    Understanding only part of the picture will not lead to the best outcomes. In partnership relationships, both parties are open about the information they share.For instance, with Cambridge University Hospitals, we customised anaesthetic trolleys based on their feedback – special height trolleys with custom drawer layouts and tamper-evident drawers using pull-tight seals, which allowed some to be used as Airways Trolleys. Read the full case study here.
  3. Openness and transparency
    As much as we aim for perfection, things don’t always go to plan, and this is where you see one of the biggest differences between partnership and supplier relationships. In partnerships, challenges are met with understanding, not blame.We are in constant dialogue with our clients and are keen on feedback on our products and their performance. So, when we received feedback from Cambridge University Hospitals that some of our anaesthetic trolleys were being used so much that they were generating static, we quickly changed the castors to anti-static ones to solve the problem.

 

Our journey with Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust

Since 2017, we’ve proudly partnered with the Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust, establishing a relationship grounded in mutual trust and shared objectives. Together, we aim to support and innovate within the Trust, delivering high-quality, reliable medical equipment essential for patient care across various departments, including:

ICU & ward support

  • Linen Ward Trolleys, Multipurpose Trolleys, and Drip Stands (since 2017): Aimed at creating a seamless flow in high-intensity environments, these trolleys and stands provide practical, accessible solutions for handling supplies in medical wards and ICUs.

Theatre efficiency

  • Anaesthetic Trolleys (2024): Essential for the theatres, our anaesthetic trolleys have improved efficiency, giving medical staff quick access to necessary supplies during procedures.

Emergency department essentials

  • Procedure Trolleys (2024): Specially crafted for the fast-paced emergency department, these trolleys enable immediate access to tools, ensuring the best care possible for patients in critical conditions.

Trust-wide technology solutions

  • Workstations on Wheels (since 2020): Part of an ongoing seven-year managed service contract, these mobile workstations support patient care across the Trust. By making patient data accessible at the point of care, they’re designed for seamless mobility, contributing to accurate, real-time decision-making.
  • Phlebotomy Trolleys (since 2020): Aiding phlebotomists throughout the Trust, these trolleys are also part of a seven-year contract, ensuring continuous support for one of healthcare’s most essential services.
  • Medical-Grade Keyboards and Mice (since 2020): These devices address hygiene and durability and are tailored for healthcare settings, supporting safe, contamination-resistant data handling across departments.
  • PC Wall Mounts (since 2020): A trust-wide installation that maximises space and accessibility in patient rooms, wards, and clinics, facilitating better care and efficient workspaces.

Specialised equipment for key departments

  • Mammography Chair (2022): Specifically for the Breast Screening Department, the mammography chair adds comfort and accessibility, ensuring patient-centred care during critical screenings.
  • Linen Case Carts (2021): These carts support the facilities and linen departments, providing an organised, accessible solution to streamline linen distribution.
  • Mobile Storage Cabinets (2019): Designed for Endoscopy, these cabinets are vital for storing supplies and enhancing overall accessibility within the department.

Infection Control and Accessibility

  • Privacy Screens and Wall-Mounted Glove Dispensers (since 2020): Available through NHS Supply Chain, these items play a crucial role in infection control, ensuring a hygienic environment across Trust departments.

 

Looking forward – a commitment to ongoing innovation

As our partnership with Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust continues to grow, we remain committed to advancing the capabilities of each department. This long-term relationship has allowed us to truly understand the Trust’s needs and deliver solutions that enhance patient care and improve staff efficiency. At Agile Medical, we believe partnership, not just procurement, is the foundation of healthcare innovation.

 

Join us on the journey

If you’re looking for a partner who truly understands your organisation’s needs, get in touch. Together, we can create impactful, lasting change in healthcare.