HIS helps boards reduce waiting times

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Boards across Scotland are being offered support from Healthcare Improvement Scotland to reduce waiting times.

Meeting the 52-week target for planned care services remains a significant challenge across NHS boards. First Minister John Swinney has stated that a reduction in waiting times is a priority.

Our Improving Access to Integrated Care programme will offer planned care services support to improve access using proven and effective methodologies. The Demand, Capacity, Activity, and Queue (DCAQ) analysis and Quality Improvement (QI) methodologies have led to sustainable improvements in elective care, Hospital at Home and general practice.

We’re now looking to recruit 12 services from dermatology, ear nose and throat (ENT), gynaecology and urology specialities to take part in a 20 week improvement sprint. Applicants must:

  • Have projected waits of 52 weeks or more for new outpatients or treatment time guarantees by March 2026
  • Have an organisational sponsor who will support this work and remove barriers slowing progress.
  • Be willing and able to engage in this improvement work. This should include clinical and non-clinical staff working across a pathway.
  • Have a clinical lead within the service, to act as a driver for improvements.

 

Quote / Testimonial:

“While there are significant challenges for boards in relation to wait times, we’re confident we can help them to improve.”

Belinda Robertson
Associate Director of Primary Care Improvement

Belinda Robertson, Associate Director of Primary Care Improvement, said:

“Our organisation has substantial expertise in improving access. We’ve already seen significant sustainable improvements in areas like Hospital at Home and general practice. This includes reduction in demand, increase in activity and improvement in patient flow.”

“While there are significant challenges for boards in relation to wait times, we’re confident we can help them to improve.”

The programme will complement work by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) on the provision and monitoring of weekly performance data.

For more information contact his.accessqi@nhs.scot. To apply visit the online application form.

Applications must be submitted by 8am on Monday 7 July.

All applications will be reviewed. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email.