We are excited to announce that IHSS will be occupying stand 11 at the IDSc Annual Conference 2023 on the 29th and 30th November at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
IHSS stands at the forefront of Sterile Service Solutions, setting the pace in delivering comprehensive solutions. Whether it’s expertly managed instrument services, environmental solutions, or strategic consultancy, IHSS tailors outcomes to align seamlessly with the dynamic landscape of the evolving healthcare sector, be it within the NHS or private practice. Our commitment to cutting-edge decontamination technologies, grounded in pragmatic science, underpins a sustainable and efficient health service.
Collaborating closely with SSDs, IHSS extends efficient on-site support, overseeing the entire spectrum of surgical instrument decontamination. This spans meticulous inventory management to the seamless delivery of instruments to the theatre.
Join us at Stand No.11 at the IDSc to explore how IHSS has successfully revolutionized Outsourcing Solutions for NHS Trusts. Our approach facilitates the shift of costs from capital to operational budgets, eliminating the need for additional investments. Experience tangible benefits such as cost reduction, risk transference, accelerated and more efficient reprocessing, operational flexibility to navigate demand fluctuations, optimal utilization of hospital staff and space, all culminating in an elevated standard of patient care.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!
IHSS are now working with Climate Essentials on their journey to Net Zero
Our main process, the sterilisation of medical instruments, takes a lot of energy. Having the ability to track, reduce, and limit our impact on the environment is important to IHSS as a company. Carbon reduction yields operational efficiency, cost savings and long-term sustainability, ensuring a positive outlook for our business, customers and the planet. Adhering to the net-zero goals and guidelines also showcases our dedication to the UK’s and NHS’s environmental vision, bolstering our responsible reputation.
Why is managing the carbon impact of your business important to us?
Our main process, which is the Sterilisation of medical instruments takes a lot of energy. Having the ability to track, reduce, and limit our impact on the environment is important both to us and our customers. Adhering to the net-zero goals guidelines showcases our dedication to the NHS’s environmental vision and bolsters our responsible reputation. Additionally, carbon reduction yields cost savings, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability, ensuring a positive outlook for both our business and the planet.
What is Climate Essentials?
Climate Essentials is an online carbon management system that makes climate action easy, engaging, and affordable for businesses. We streamline the journey to net zero by measuring, managing, and reducing emissions
Carbon management, reduction and reporting on a single platform…
Climate Essentials is our platform for a pathway to net zero. Their award-winning software
enables us to understand our carbon footprint and manage our emissions.
Whilst guiding us along a feasible journey to net zero, Climate Essentials provide us with accessible and interactive emissions insights along the way.
You can find out more information about Climate Essentials by visiting https://climax.community/
Press Release: Construction of state-of-the-art Pharmacy and Sterile Services Facility under way in city
We are thrilled to share that IHSS Ltd had the honour of participating in the momentous groundbreaking ceremony held on August 18th at the Southampton site in collaboration with UHS, Willmott Dixon, and Prime Plc.
Reflecting on this occasion, our Managing Director, Gary Clarke, expressed his elation, stating, “It brings us great joy to reach this significant milestone and commence the next phase of this exciting project. The new Aseptic Pharmacy and Sterile Service Department at the Adanac Health & Innovation Campus will usher in remarkable advancements for UHS, paving the way for future community care. This increased capacity will seamlessly accommodate the anticipated expansion of surgical procedures, contributing to efficient and sustainable healthcare delivery. Beyond this, the state-of-the-art facility promises an enchanting modern work environment equipped with cutting-edge technology for our skilled workforce. Aligned with our shared growth aspirations with UHS, we look forward to attracting community members to join us in our mission within Sterile Services.”
The full press release can be found below:
The construction of a new state-of-the-art pharmacy and sterile services facility has begun in the city thanks to a partnership between University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and healthcare property specialists Prime plc.
Based at the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus in Southampton, the new multi-use site will enable in-house production of a range of life-saving medicines for patients across the region.
The controlled environment means highly qualified staff will be able to prepare ready-to-administer chemotherapy drugs, as well as intravenous nutrition and antibiotics and medicines for use in pioneering clinical trials at UHS and other healthcare providers.
In addition to the aseptic pharmacy, the location will provide capacity for the sterilisation of medical devices, equipment and instruments, including all reusable surgical instruments and equipment used by UHS.
Sterile services will continue to be delivered by the current UHS provider IHSS Ltd at the new site.
The build, which is being delivered by construction company Willmott Dixon, is a relocation and expansion of the sterile services department (SSD) from the main hospital site in Tremona Road, freeing up additional space for the delivery of frontline clinical care.
UHS is one of the largest acute teaching trusts in England and experiences high demand on its limited estate.
By working with Prime, through the Southampton Commercial Estates Development Partnership (CEDP), the Trust has been able to overcome a number of estates challenges to create more space.
James Allen, chief pharmacist at UHS, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Wilmott Dixon and Prime in the construction of our new pharmacy aseptic production facility.
“This state-of-the-art development will be a significant leap forward in our capacity to produce sterile, pre-prepared medicines which are vital in the care of patients in areas such as surgery, intensive care and cancer services.
“As an MHRA-licensed unit, the facility will utilise advances in automation to produce products at scale, enhancing the capacity of patient pathways in UHS and NHS trusts in Hampshire and neighbouring healthcare systems.”
Ewan Forsyth, Development Director for Prime, said: “The construction of these facilities will be a major milestone in our partnership with UHS and a big step towards our shared goal of deepening the reputation of Southampton as a centre for medical excellence, preserving clinical space and enriching the local economy.”
Gary Clarke, Managing Director at IHSS, said: “The new SSD at the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus will bring to huge advancements to UHS which will enable the future provision of care in the community.
“The additional capacity will support the inevitable expansion of surgical procedures in the upcoming years and allow clinical health to be delivered in a more efficient and sustainable way.”
The MHRA-licensed pharmacy will be subject to high levels of regulatory control and quality assurance, with sterile medicines manufactured for UHS and other NHS providers in the region.
The build was officially launched at a recent ceremony where representatives from UHS, Prime and Willmott Dixon, including James Allen and David French (CEO) from UHS, attended and a completed a short tour of the site.
Ends
Notes to editors
1) University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is one of the largest acute teaching trusts in England with a turnover of more than £1.15 billion in 2021/22. UHS provides hospital services for 1.9 million people living in southern Hampshire and specialist services – including neurosciences, respiratory medicine, cancer, cardiovascular, obstetrics and specialist children’s services – to more than 3.7 million people in central southern England and the Channel Islands. Southampton General Hospital is a designated major trauma centre serving the Wessex Region and Channel Islands and is one of only two places in the south of England to offer adults and children full onsite major trauma care provision.
2) Every year more than 12,000 staff see 650,000 people at outpatient appointments, deal with 150,000 attendances at the emergency department and treat 160,000 admitted emergency, inpatient or day case patients. In addition, the trust delivers more than 100 outpatient clinics across the south of England to keep services local for patients. Providing these services costs £2.7 million per day.
3) Following the Care Quality Commission’s most recent inspection (report published in April 2019), all sites and services across UHS are now rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ in the effective and caring domains. Overall, the trust received a ‘good’ rating – and ‘outstanding’ for providing effective services. Among individual services, the CQC rated urgent and emergency services, medical care, surgery, services for children and young people and end of life care ‘good‘, with critical care ‘outstanding’. To view the full report, visit www.cqc.org.uk/provider/RHM/reports.
4) UHS is consistently one of the UK’s highest recruiting trusts of patients to clinical trials and in the top ten nationally for research study volume as ranked by the NIHR Clinical Research Network. In partnership with the University of Southampton, UHS has £27 million of NIHR infrastructure dedicated to bringing the latest treatments to patients. For more information, visit www.uhs.nhs.uk/ClinicalResearchinSouthampton.
5) To help shape the future of hospital services and raise issues that are important to patients, families and visitors, become a UHS member. Anyone interested in finding out more or joining can contact the membership office on www.uhs.nhs.uk/members. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for all the latest news updates.
6) Southampton Hospitals Charity enhances the care and treatment of our patients by raising funds to support areas that lie beyond the scope of NHS funding. For more information, visit www.southamptonhospitalscharity.org
For more information email communications@uhs.nhs.uk.
Understanding IHSS’s Gender Pay Gap Report
IHSS is proud to release our gender pay gap report for 2022, which outlines our commitment to gender equality in the workplace. But what is the gender pay gap, and why is it important for businesses to address it?
The gender pay gap is the difference between the average earnings of men and women in a workforce. It is not the same as unequal pay, which is the act of paying men and women differently for doing the same job. Instead, the gender pay gap is influenced by factors such as occupational segregation, part-time work, and the underrepresentation of women in senior roles.
Addressing the gender pay gap is important for several reasons. Firstly, it is a matter of fairness and equality. Women should be paid the same as men for doing the same job. Secondly, it is a matter of economic growth. Addressing the gender pay gap can help to unlock the potential of the entire workforce, contributing to greater productivity and innovation. Finally, it is a matter of reputation. Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more likely to attract and retain talented employees and customers who value these principles.
At IHSS, we recognise the importance of addressing the gender pay gap, and we are committed to doing our part to achieve gender equality in the workplace. Our gender pay gap report outlines the actions we are taking to address this issue and our progress towards achieving our goals. We believe that by working together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.
IHSS are pleased to announce that planning permission has now been granted for this project, so it’s onto the next step of our exciting journey with the Adanac Park build.
This marks the latest milestone in Prime’s continued development of the site which provides a centre for collaboration and innovation in health for the Southampton area.
Situated on Plot 2 of the site, the ground floor of the facility is set to deliver a purpose built environment for the SSD which will be operated by IHSS, Industry leaders in Sterile Services provision. The new SDD will function as a ‘Super Centre Facility’, sterilising surgical tools and equipment for UHS and the wider health community in the region.
On the first floor, the Aseptic Pharmacy will manufacture drugs and medicines for UHS and other NHS providers, establishing the site as a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) licensed pharmacy and a regional centre point for treatments to be manufactured. Aseptic pharmacies are highly specialist environments providing medications and feeds for some of the most vulnerable patients in hospital care.
The top floor will create much needed office space for wide range of UHS staff relocating from the main hospital site.
The development of these specialist facilities will create room for clinical expansion on the main UHS hospital site, supporting the Trust to use their space to focus on the delivery of front line patient care in a time of ever-increasing demand.
You can visit Prime’s article by clicking here.
“We worked closely with the Trust, IHSS and Test Valley planners to develop this complex scheme which is of huge strategic importance to the delivery of healthcare in Southampton and the wider region. We are pleased that Test Valley Borough Council have granted Reserved Matters planning approval for the development and look forward to starting work on site in the new year.”
– Ewan Forsyth, Development Director at Prime
IDSc Annual Conference 2022 !!!
We are excited to announce that IHSS will be occupying stand 87 at the IDSc Annual Conference 2022 on the 29th and 30th November 2022 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
IHSS are market leaders in the provision of Sterile Service Solutions. From managed instrument services, managed environment and consultancy, IHSS offers bespoke outcomes to meet the needs of a rapidly changing NHS (or private practice) environment. We work at the forefront of decontamination technologies, employing science that makes sense to support a sustainable and effective health service.
At IHSS, we also work closely with SSD’s to provide efficient onsite support, managing all aspects of surgical instrument decontamination, from managing inventory to delivering instruments to theatre.
Visit us on Stand No.87 at the IDSc to understand how we have successfully provided Outsourcing Solutions to NHS Trusts; moving cost from capex to opex budgets without the need for new investment; cost reduction; transference of risk; faster, more efficient reprocessing; operational flexibility to cope with fluctuations in demand; better utilisation of hospital staff and available space; ultimately leading to improved patient care.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Audere Medical Services are now part of IHSS Ltd, under the VAMED Group.
As of 29 July 2022 Audere Medical Services are now part of IHSS LTD. The new partnership brings industry experts in Decontamination Technology together with a market leading Decontamination & Sterile Services organisation.
The boards of VAMED, the international healthcare group, IHSS Limited, a leading UK Sterile Services provider, & Audere Medical Services Limited are delighted to announce the creation of a new partnership.
The Company will continue to operate under the “Audere Medical Services” brand with IHSS acquiring 100% of the shares. Building on Audere’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading decontamination equipment service providers, the partnership will open further service options in the currently expanding UK market. Audere Medical Services are the UK’s largest independent service and validation organisation for decontamination technology. Audere have a strong and loyal customer base with over 50 accounts, along with a knowledgeable and dedicated team of engineers, technicians, customer service and administrators.
This combined capability is unique in the UK market and can offer a total solution for Decontamination Services to NHS Trusts, hospitals and private healthcare organisations. With Audere’s field engineers spanning the whole of the UK, IHSS can greatly expand our combined reach and capabilities within the Vamed Group. We want to further optimise and expand the quality and efficiency of our services in the field of servicing, validation and maintenance of medical decontamination equipment.
“Drawing on our new partners strengths and resources combined with the long-standing experience of IHSS & ultimately VAMED, I am confident that we as Audere Medical will go from strength to strength and I am excited by the potential for additional development and growth, and a sustainable future.”
– Ken Milner, Managing Director of Audere Medical Services
“In Audere Medical we have found the ideal partner. Audere Medical bring a wealth of experience and expertise which will help us improve our operating model and deliver our long-range objectives. We will work in tandem to grow both organisations and offer our customers a unique and total solution for decontamination & sterilisation services.”
– Gary Clarke, IHSS Managing Director
University Hospital Southampton
On 1st May 2021, IHSS Limited undertook the ongoing operation of the Sterile Service Department (SSD) at Southampton General Hospital (UHS). This includes the provision of all SSD services to UHS, including endoscopy decontamination.
The partnership also includes the creation of a state-of-the-art decontamination ‘Super Centre Facility’ at UHS’s Adanac Park Health Campus, which is currently being designed. This is a landmark opportunity for IHSS, making this our 5th facility and allows us to realise our new design and efficiency concepts. This new building will be our most advanced and carbon efficient.
“We feel very privileged to be able to provide this service for UHS and the local community. The Trust’s focus has always been the best possible care for their patients and IHSS look forward to continuing our long history of high-standards through this partnership for many years to come.”
Gary Clarke
IHSS Managing Director
2021- IHSS Ltd. Gender Pay Gap Report
At IHSS Limited, we value partnerships and collaborations. As an organisation we aim to employ individuals diverse in characteristics, values, beliefs and background. The organisation will simultaneously aim to foster an inclusive work environment in which all employees feel respected, accepted, supported and valued.
Gender Pay is not the same as Equal Pay. A gender pay gap is a measure of the difference in the pay of men and women across an entire organisation, regardless of the nature or level of their work. It is different from an equal pay comparison, which involves a direct comparison of two people or groups of people carrying out the same work or work of equal value.
What is our Gender Pay Gap?
Our mean gender pay gap is 5.4% which is lower than the reported figure in 2020 (6.0%).
Our median gender pay gap is reduced from 2020, with a movement from 1.9% to -2.1%.
|
Hourly Pay Gap |
|---|---|
| Mean | When comparing mean (average) hourly pay, women’s mean hourly pay is 5.4% lower than men’s. |
| Median | In this organisation, men earn £0.98 for every £1 that women earn when comparing median hourly pay. Their median hourly pay is 2.1% lower than women’s. |
What is our Bonus Gap?
No bonuses were paid during the 12 months preceding the 6th April 2021.
Pay Quartiles
Within the charts below we have shown the distribution of gender across our four pay quartiles within IHSS. On the 6th of April 2021 we employed 371 people.
How do we plan to close the Gender Pay Gap?
Despite taking definite steps forward in recent years, we are still striving to eliminate our gender pay gap. Our Senior Leadership team are committed to this goal; in fact, the introduction of female colleagues within senior management roles is demonstrating the benefits and value of a balanced team across all levels of the organisation.
The gender pay statistics are showing we are moving the needle in the right direction, this is due to initiatives such as:
- Educating and training our hiring managers in line with our recruitment beliefs, policies and procedures. This has produced benefits such as:
- giving us a bigger talent pool
- increasing employee engagement and trust
- providing more opportunities for innovation
- Established salary bands for each job role within the organisation, which promotes transparency and invites negotiation around an employee’s salary and reward structure.
- Increased participation in flexible working which • has enabled parents to better manage the demands at home alongside full-time or part-time employment.
2020- IHSS Ltd. Gender Pay Gap Report
IHSS Limited are totally committed to producing an environment that cherishes equality and diversity, it is our belief that this level of inclusion will deliver excellence in service for our customers and patients.
Gender Pay is not the same as Equal Pay. A gender pay gap is a measure of the difference in the pay of men and women across an entire organisation, regardless of the nature or level of their work. It is different from an equal pay comparison, which involves a direct comparison of two people or groups of people carrying out the same work or work of equal value.
What is our Gender Pay Gap?
Our mean gender pay gap is 6.0% which is lower than the reported figure in 2019 (8.5%). Similarly, our median gender pay gap is lower than in 2019 having reduced from 3.4% to 1.9%.
|
|
Hourly Pay Gap |
|---|---|
| Mean | When comparing mean (average) hourly pay, women’s mean hourly pay is 6.0% lower than men’s. |
| Median | In this organisation, women earn £0.98 for every £1 that men earn when comparing median hourly pay. Their median hourly pay is 1.9% lower than men’s. |
What is our Bonus Gap?
Bonus Pay for this report includes any payment made in the preceding 12 months to April 2020. This will include any management bonus scheme which is paid at a percentage of salary.
Our mean bonus gap has decreased significantly from 2019, where women’s mean bonus gap was 77.8% lower than men’s, now the gap is 29.7%. The median bonus gap shows that men’s bonus pay is 6.4% lower than women’s, which is – again – vastly different from 2019 when women’s median bonus pay was 28% lower than men’s.
In our organisation, 4.2% of women earned bonus pay, whereas 8.7% of men earned bonus pay.
Our bonus schemes are gender neutral by design and the same rules apply to all eligible employees.
Women’s mean bonus gap
Women’s median bonus gap
|
Bonus Pay Gap |
|---|---|
| Mean | When comparing mean (average) bonus pay, women’s mean bonus pay is 29.7% lower than men’s. |
In this organisation, men earn a bonus of £0.94 for every £1 that women earn when comparing median bonus pay. Their median bonus pay is 6.4% lower than women’s. |
Pay Quartiles
Within the charts below we have shown the distribution of gender across our four pay quartiles within IHSS. On the 6th of April 2020 we employed 397 people.
How do we plan to close the Gender Pay Gap?
It is our aim to bring a gender balance across our organisation, including at senior management level. By increasing our female representation in the Upper Middle and Upper pay quartiles we will be able to shrink the gender pay gap and the bonus pay gap.
We are making progress and can share key actions that have now been completed:
- We have developed new gender reports which are submitted on a quarterly basis to the board and our parent company. This allows us to monitor gender distribution across the organisation in more timely and accurate way.
- Our recruitment process has been overhauled with a new structured interview and selection method. This includes gender neutral selection criteria and a balanced selection panel.
Recent appointments to our Senior Leadership Team have increased female representation to
33%