NHS
Transforming performance
- Specialist foundation trust
The Challenge
This Trust had the worst RTT performance of any specialist Trust (84.8%) putting it potentially in breach of its FT licence. Our Interim RTT Consultant’s initial diagnosis identified that performance was actually worse than perceived, and issues ran right across people, processes and systems. This included the PTL which was not fit-for-purpose, disparity of Consultant’s work and the data was being entered, weak processes and a basic lack of understanding of RTT across staff.
THE DELIVERY
Initially providing a comprehensive improvement plan to address all issues, we then engaged a team of 17 (including a number of validators) to deliver the adopted recommendations and validate, and improve, RTT position. For example, undertook a complete redesign of the PTL database, updated SOP and patient access policy and configured and delivered RTT training to all relevant staff in line with new ways of working.
THE OUTCOME
Many open referral pathyways have been closed and the Trust is seeing an increase in the numbers it treats each week. It is now projecting continued improvement based on accurate fit-for-purpose BI and reporting around RTT.
“Through hard work we have made progress in the RTT performance. I want to thank everyone who has been involved; the improvements made put us in a much stronger position. There’s still work to do, but I’m very encouraged by the progress we have made.” – COO
