18 Week Support

The NHS has introduced its first-ever treatment for uveal melanoma, a deadly eye cancer that affects about 600 people annually in the UK. The new drug, tebentafusp, is an immunotherapy developed by Oxford-based firm Immunocore. It has been fast-tracked for NHS use, providing a significant breakthrough for patients with this aggressive cancer.   Clinical trials show it improves three-year survival rates from 18% to 27% and extends average survival by five months (from 17 to 22 months). The treatment is suitable for patients whose cancer has spread or cannot be removed surgically.   This milestone highlights the NHS's commitment to advancing cancer care and represents a landmark achievement for the UK’s medical community.   As healthcare providers with a significant role in ophthalmology services, 18WS supports innovation in this specialty, paving the way for future advancements in treatment and care.   To read the full article, please visit: https://lnkd.in/d8yc4GC6

Today marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Established by the United Nations in 1992, this day serves as a reminder to build a world that embraces and respects the diversity of all abilities.   An estimated 1.3 billion people, 1 in 6 of us, experience significant disabilities. We honour the rights, dignity, and well-being of over 1 billion people living with disabilities worldwide, and recognise that everyone has unique needs, and the world should be designed to accommodate them all.   This year's focus is on creating accessible spaces, inclusive systems, and equitable opportunities in every aspect of society—be it education, employment, public infrastructure, or cultural participation, so let's reflect on how we can make our communities, workplaces, and institutions more accessible.   At 18WS, we stand by the principle of freedom to thrive in healthcare. We believe that by fostering inclusivity and addressing inequities, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive as individuals and ensure that no one is left behind.   To learn more, please visit: https://lnkd.in/dkK3MGF

At the recent NHS Providers Conference in Liverpool, our CEO, Josh Collins, engaged with Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP on the vital role independent providers play in reducing waiting lists and expanding capacity. This article dives into this discussion by exploring the question raised by our CEO and the insightful response from Wes Streeting. Streeting affirmed the importance of private sector contributions, emphasising the need to balance expanding capacity with maintaining quality and NHS resources. We're proud to hear that providers like us are recognised as key partners in the NHS's elective recovery plan, delivering high-quality services that make a real difference for patients. We remain committed to supporting NHS trusts across the country as we work together to overcome challenges and improve healthcare outcomes. To read the full article, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ebZ8H3Nt

The NHS is delivering over 300 vaccinations per minute for COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to prevent a winter "tripledemic". Since September, nearly 25 million vaccinations, including over 1 million RSV jabs, have been administered. Flu vaccines are now widely available, and RSV jabs are offered to people aged 75–79 and pregnant women.   NHS leaders urge eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly to protect against severe illness and hospitalisations. Vaccines are the best defence against winter viruses, keeping families safe and easing pressure on the NHS during colder months.   As healthcare providers and partners in public health across the country, we support NHS leaders in their call to action and are committed to encouraging and mobilising eligible people to get vaccinated, aiming to help ease pressure on the NHS as much as possible.   To read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eEzArD9X

Exciting Opportunities at 18WS Head Office: We are currently recruiting for Regional and National Business Development roles as well as a Bids and Contracts Executive position. If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please feel free to connect directly with Omar Shahin, our Commercial Director, on LinkedIn. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how you can be a part of our growing 18WS team!

Waiting lists for gynaecology appointments across the UK have more than doubled since February 2020, rising from 360,400 to over 755,000, according to BBC research. At least 630,000 women are waiting for care for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause-related issues.   Health ministers across the UK acknowledge the issue and have announced plans to improve gynaecology services, such as expanding women’s health hubs and publishing long-term health strategies. However, progress remains slow, with over 22,000 women now waiting more than a year for appointments compared to just 66 in early 2020.   At 18WS, we understand the profound impact gynaecological conditions can have on women’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to work and maintain quality of life. Our gynaecology team is committed to providing effective, compassionate care to help women access the treatment they need sooner.   We stand ready to support NHS trusts across the country in delivering high-quality patient care and services. To learn more about how 18WS can support your waiting list backlog, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e7ZAw-8p To read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eEvM-cfN

Our 18WS team is shining bright with teamwork at its best 💜 Here's a snapshot of the weekend shift featuring our amazing 18WS endoscopy staff.   We believe that every great shift starts with positivity and warm smiles—small things that make a big difference in the quality of care and the overall patient experience that we offer. These values are at the heart of who we are and what we do.   Want to learn more about our partnerships and how we can make a positive impact on your trust? Visit: https://lnkd.in/eMsKXs5F #endoscopycare #healthcare #insourcing #proudproviders

The NHS waiting list for procedures and appointments saw a slight improvement, dropping from 7.64 million in August to 7.57 million in September, reflecting progress despite mounting pressures on the system.   While the fall in elective care waiting lists is a positive sign of staff dedication and recent government action on industrial disputes, sustained improvements will require further investment in capacity and support for healthcare and social care services.   As a dedicated partner in healthcare, 18WS strive to help trusts with capacity, ensuring patients are seen in a timely manner while also maintaining staff well-being and service quality. We’re here to support and collaborate with the NHS, especially during the challenging winter months.   To learn more about our services and how we can assist, please visit https://lnkd.in/eMsKXs5F   To read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ezFwZd9U

Today, our team joined healthcare leaders at the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool. We had the opportunity to hear from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, who delivered a keynote outlining his priorities for the NHS.   Our CEO, Josh Collins, posed an important question to the Secretary of State: What role does he see for independent sector providers in helping to reduce the backlog? The response was encouraging – the Secretary of State reaffirmed that independent providers like 18WS have a critical role in supporting the NHS by delivering quality services and helping expand elective care capacity.   We’re proud to be part of the solution, working alongside the NHS to ensure patients receive the care they need in a timely manner. #NHSCollaboration #ElectiveCare #HealthcareInnovation #18WS #NHSProviders Paulo Andrade, Jack Player, Charlie C., Omar Shahin

Health Service Journal recently released our article highlighting how 18WS is ready to help the NHS meet its 18-week treatment target with 40,000 additional weekly appointments.   The article discusses recent government funding and how 18WS offers cost-effective insourcing solutions to reduce patient wait times, support trusts with the longest waiting lists, and make efficient use of NHS resources.   With winter pressures approaching, 18WS stands poised to provide critical capacity, helping NHS trusts deliver timely care. Read the full article to see how 18WS is supporting the NHS’s recovery goals: https://lnkd.in/eanyqspu