SSM Health, Siemens Healthineers partner to advance health equity and empower workforce development in underserved communities

<p>SSM Health and Siemens Healthineers have announced a new 10-year strategic partnership agreement focused on expanding access to high-quality care and training the next generation of health care workers. The agreement with SSM Health creates the largest geographic Siemens Healthineers strategic partnership to date.&nbsp;</p><p>SSM Health is a fully integrated health care delivery system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through a value-driven care model. A global pioneer in medical technology, Siemens Healthineers will provide SSM Health with access to the latest innovations and best practices in diagnostic imaging and state-of-the-art technology and software – along with education and other on-site support.&nbsp;</p><p>Through a shared dedication to clinical and operational excellence, the partners will further enhance quality, efficiency, and access to diagnostic and imaging services for communities across SSM Health’s four-state service area, which includes Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. To help advance health equity, the organizations will also jointly invest in programs that expand early detection and management of chronic disease for underserved and vulnerable individuals in the communities SSM Health serves, both urban and rural.&nbsp;</p><p>SSM Health is also expanding its existing strong relationship with Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, by implementing a tailored set of offerings from Varian’s Advanced Oncology Solutions (AOS) portfolio. These solutions are designed to enable SSM Health to integrate oncology services, further optimize the utilization of diagnostic imaging equipment and technology, improve clinical and operational effectiveness, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.&nbsp;</p><p>“At SSM Health, we are working to ensure all people have access to high-quality, compassionate, and affordable care, but we can’t do this alone,” said Jeremy Fotheringham, regional president, SSM Health. “Siemens Healthineers shares our deep-rooted commitment to innovation, quality, and value. We are thrilled to partner with them in our mission to transform health care delivery and address the health equity gap in our communities.”&nbsp;</p><p>The organizations will work to address the critical shortage of radiologic technologists by implementing local imaging apprenticeship programs in collaboration with community partners, beginning with The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. These programs will expand employment opportunities, provide training, and foster mentorship for local youth through the Urban League’s Save Our Sons &amp; Save Our Sisters initiative.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our partnership with SSM Health will serve the local communities, taking into account the social and environmental determinants that influence patient health in support of long-term well-being,” said David Pacitti, president and head of the Americas, Siemens Healthineers. "This relationship underscores our mutual commitment to providing quality care and making a positive impact in the lives of everyone, everywhere." Finally, the collaboration has the potential to supplement SSM Health’s efforts in environmental sustainability by calling on the expertise of Siemens in advanced smart building technology and energy management to further reduce SSM Health’s carbon footprint.</p>