The EBME department at Bedford Hospital have scooped the UK?s first Clinical Engineering Team of the Year Award for outstanding progress within their department. Their winning entry outlined their successful 'turnaround process' and clearly showed the benefits of a programme of cost effective improvement projects for the maintenance of medical equipment for their NHS Trust.

The project initiated an innovative ?spend to save? scheme which vitally obtained the full support of the hospital trust. This allowed the department to invest in staff training and development then reap the rewards through reducing more costly third party contracts.  In addition, the team delivered a consistently excellent service and technical integrity through reducing equipment downtime and improving the standard and reliability of devices.
This exciting new award was launched earlier this year by Welch Allyn, a leading manufacturer of frontline medical products and solutions, to reward Clinical Engineers for their significant and often under-recognised contribution to healthcare in the UK.
Stuart Norris EBME Manager at Bedford Hospital commented ?The whole team are delighted to receive this award. It is hugely motivating to be recognised for all of the time, effort and commitment that we have given to this project. The equipment donated by Welch Allyn and the educational fund awarded to us as winners will help us to build on the progress we have made so far. The department is committed to continual improvement and in the coming year we will be looking to make further cost reductions whilst also expanding our service provision?.
The award was presented at Silverstone Race Track during the seventh annual Completing the Picture educational symposium where the team celebrated their success on the winner?s podium. Bedford Hospital EBME department will receive £2,000 of Welch Allyn equipment as well as a £1,000 educational fund for the benefit of their department.

To receive information on the entry criteria for 2009, register your interest at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..