A £20m centre that will help detect, predict and prevent serious disease has announced a 10-year partnership with global health tech firm Philips that will allow it to offer "world class" care and the best possible outcomes for patients.
Rutherford Diagnostics is in the process of building its new HQ at the Knowledge Quarter in Paddington Village, and the firm says this news signifies a "major boost for healthcare in the region".
It will mean the Liverpool centre can offer "state-of-the-art" imaging equipment, management and technology utilisation reporting, training and a research and innovation program.
Rutherford Diagnostics is expected to welcome its first patients in 2020, with a further four centres around the UK opening by 2021.
Dr Steven Powell, CEO of Rutherford Diagnostics, told Business Live: “Our focus is to change the current healthcare paradigm from a reactive model which responds to disease, to one that is proactive and preventative with far reaching long-term benefits.
"Our purpose-built centres are focused around the patient experience, using the latest technologies, operated by highly skilled clinical experts.
“We required a strategic partner who will complement our diagnostic service offering with technological innovation. Philips is closely aligned to our vision and can manage complexity while remaining flexible and is the right partner to support us on this journey.”
Rutherford Diagnostics says it was established to fulfil the unmet national demand for screening services such as MRI, CT and ultrasound, helping to take away pressure on current services and improve outcomes for patients with cancer and other diseases.
Stephen McMillan, solutions lead for Philips in the UK, said: "For Philips, a successful managed service uses technology as an enabler to drive improved clinical practices and patient outcomes through innovation and sustainability.
“We believe this partnership with Rutherford Diagnostics is an opportunity to deliver a truly patient-centric diagnostic service with high levels of staff satisfaction. Philips already has a number of innovative managed service agreements with NHS partners here in the UK, so this is an exciting expansion of this service for us, as we partner with our first private provider.”
