Royal Bolton Hospital has used a new system to bring in “zero theatre cancellations” in just 12 months.
The new digital scheduling system, known as Allocate AcitivityManager by RLDatix, was brought in as a pilot in July 2022 to replace workforce allocations being done by pen and paper.
Under the old system, the trust saw between three and five theatre lists being cancelled every month because of staffing, which has now been dramatically reduced.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust matron in main theatres Kris Booth said: “Within the first twenty-four hours of introducing the system both staff and patients were starting to feel the benefits, and it’s a testament to the enthusiasm of staff to embrace this change that we saw zero theatre cancellations in the first twelve months.”
He added: “We know that not having more than two weeks’ notice had an impact on engagement and staff wellbeing as staff were not able to plan their workdays in advance and ensure a good work life balance.
“This new system means we’re now able to see far more clearly in advance what our staff availability is, which is helping us to make sure our patients are getting access the care and treatment they need much sooner.”
Avoiding cancellations has helped more people get access to care and treatment sooner.
The trust says that 89 per cent of staff surveyed agreed that having the roster further in advance has improved their work/life balance.
ALSO READ: One of Royal Bolton's busiest departments to be redesigned in £38M revamp
ALSO READ: Royal Bolton Hospital features on Good Morning Britain amid 'busiest day on record'
ALSO READ: How patients are helping shape treatment at Royal Bolton Hospital
They say that the change in system has also helped unlock more operational and cost benefits with better recruitment to meet demand.
This has also helped bring down how much the trust spends on agencies.
Trust head of workforce systems David Mulligan said: “Agency spend is down hugely, thanks to multiple contributory factors across the Trust.
“Where Allocate ActivityManager has supported us, is by helping to ensure that when we do go out to agency, it’s because we know we definitely need someone to fill a specific activity, in a specific location and we are confident that the theatre session is definitely going to go ahead.
“We can now more flexibly use our own staff to cover gaps.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here