Making changes to improve care and how we work
Patient flow through our hospitals has been a major issue for a long time, culminating in extremely challenging winters where we face unrelenting pressure and often feel the disappointment of not being able to deliver the patient care we would like.
A major change programme is underway to determine how we can all work together more effectively to improve the efficiency of the care we give.
An Emergency and Urgent Care Board has been established. This is a clinically-led, patient safety initiative which aims to drive up patient experience and reduce risks associated with delays to treatment.
- This change counts: it represents a different approach to the way teams work together.
- The four-hour Emergency Department (ED) target isn’t simply about numbers:
- It helps reduce clinical risks.
- It reduces risk of EDs becoming overcrowded.
- We enable ambulances to return to the community.
- Treating our patients in the right place, faster and safe discharge to reduce the risk of deconditioning.
There are three workstreams, each with a different lead and focus:
Through this programme it is hoped that everyone throughout Hampshire Hospitals understands their role in ensuring we have the right patient in the right place - this isn't simply about hitting targets, it is about: improving care, respect for time, and making our Trust a better place to work.
Hear directly from the team at BNHH Emergency Department about the changes that have been made across the department and the approach taken to identify how sustainable improvements can be made:
One of the most challenging aspects of bringing about a change is encouraging busy teams to take on the risk of trailing a different approach.
Using the PDSA method - Plan, Do, Study, Act - it was agreed that a two-day trial would take place during which the Emergency Department at BNHH would hand over the 'majors trolleys' area, to the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) for two days: Specialty Hub Trial Overview.
The results demonstrated clear value in having the AAU located close to the ED. This graphic provides an overview of how the relocated unit will change patient pathways:
The outcomes of workstreams 1 and 2 mean patients are likely to move onto wards more quickly. For Workstream 3 the challenge is bringing about changes that will facilitate the increased pace at which patients will flow through our hospitals.
Those leading Workstream 3 have identified a number of areas where process can be refined and improved. More information is to follow along with an external communications campaign aimed at encouraging patients to share in the decision making around their care, to stay well while in hospital, and to assist in being prepared for discharge.
