In the ongoing battle to improve emergency department waits, Shropshire hospitals are enlisting the help of consultants to tackle this persistent issue. While there have been some notable improvements, the four-hour wait target remains a stubborn challenge.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, which operates the county's acute hospitals, has acknowledged the need for further action and has partnered with Nexus Consulting to address the 'sticky' problems within their A&E departments.
National NHS targets mandate a high standard of care, with a goal of having 95% of patients in and out of accident and emergency within four hours. However, the latest figures paint a concerning picture, with only 51.7% of patients meeting this criterion in June.
The Challenge of Four-Hour Waits
Despite making statistically significant progress in reducing longer waits, the four-hour wait times are still a significant concern. Andrew Morgan, the trust group chair, highlighted that while improvements are being made in other areas, the four-hour figure remains 'stuck'.
This issue was brought to the forefront when Morgan asked Ned Hobbs, the group chief operating officer, a pointed question: "When are you going to unstick it, Ned?"
Hobbs responded by stating that the impact of behind-the-scenes process changes should become evident within the next two to three months. He specifically mentioned improvements in blood test results and CT scan reports, which are within the trust's control and don't require significant capital investment.
A Record-Breaking July
July saw a new record for A&E attendances, which caused a temporary decline in both four- and twelve-hour standards. However, leaders remain optimistic, stating that improvements are still being made in ambulance handover times and patient assessments within 15 minutes.
One area of concern is the increase in so-called 'frequent fliers,' patients who regularly visit the emergency department. The trust has recorded a 13% growth in this group since November, now accounting for 11% of all emergency department activity.
To address this, the trust has initiated a strategic group to explore solutions, including the involvement of multi-disciplinary teams in the community to provide the right care for high-intensity service users.
Progress and Recognition
The trust's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Jo Williams, the SaTH chief executive, shared that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has removed the final condition from the trust's registration, which related to the timely triage of adults in the emergency department. This is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams involved.
Williams also anticipates that the upcoming CQC inspection reports will recognize the progress made across these services, highlighting the commitment and dedication of the trust's colleagues.
Conclusion
While there is still work to be done, the progress made by Shropshire hospitals is encouraging. The partnership with Nexus Consulting and the focus on process improvements offer a glimmer of hope for reducing emergency department waits. With continued dedication and innovative solutions, the trust can strive to meet the challenging NHS targets and provide the high-quality care that patients deserve.
