Circular Economy Business Models for Medical Imaging and Ultrasound Equipment in the UK Healthcare Sector

Currently circular economy business models are not common practice within the UK healthcare sector, yet many other countries have already benefited from a shift away from the traditional linear value chain. Axion will work with Philips, a world leader in the supply of medical imaging systems and therapy devices, to investigate how a circular economy business model to supply refurbished medical imaging and ultrasound equipment as a fully-maintained and managed service could be established at UK hospitals. This project will explore how the proposed business model can work within the UK and investigate the unique barriers of the UK healthcare sector and how they can be overcome through innovative approaches to maintenance, upgrading, refurbishment and re-use for this category of complex healthcare equipment. This is an ambitious project that could have a significant impact on the UK healthcare sector allowing for a more sustainable future whilst also increasing the affordability of vital diagnostic equipment for UK hospitals.