Siemens Healthineers has signed a 10-year deal with Catholic nonprofit health system SSM Health aimed at improving health equity and career opportunities in underserved communities.
In the vendor's largest strategic partnership so far, Siemens will be providing the integrated health system in the Midwest with access to new technology and software, as well as best practices in diagnostic imaging, the company said. It will also provide education and other onsite support.
The goal is to enhance quality, efficiency, and access to diagnostic and imaging services for communities in SSM Health's service area of Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Siemens and SSM Health also plan to jointly invest in programs designed to expand early detection and management of chronic disease for underserved and vulnerable individuals.
The deal will also enable SSM Health to expand its current relationship with Siemens company Varian, which will now provide a tailored set of products from its Advanced Oncology Solutions portfolio. These packages will enable SSM Health to integrate oncology services, optimize diagnostic imaging equipment and technology, improve clinical and operational effectiveness, and enhance patient outcomes, according to the organizations.
In an effort to help address the shortage of radiologic technologists, Siemens and SSM Health will implement local imaging apprenticeship programs in partnership with community organs such as the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. What's more, these programs will also provide training and foster mentorship for local youth through the Urban League's Save Our Sons and Save our Sisters initiative, they said.
Siemens will also help to reduce SSM Health's carbon footprint by offering its smart building technology and energy management services.
