Our Communications and Engagement team helped Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust achieve a digital overhaul, enhancing website usability, functionality, and accessibility, enabling the trust to better serve and engage with its community.

Background

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust commissioned our Communications and Engagement team to rebuild the trust’s website: https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/.

The primary ask was for the new site to provide an enhanced content management system (CMS) and be a significant upgrade for the communications team, who were using an old version of website software – Joomla. This impacted on efficiency, quality, and accessibility. We advised the trust to build a new website that would provide enhanced usability for site visitors and improved back-end functionality for the communications team.

During the period between June and November 2023, the project focused on upgrading the content management system (CMS) to WordPress, providing the enhanced functionality and security required.

Action

Faced with migrating over 2,000 web pages and two microsites within a strict deadline, the project was managed by senior project manager Joshua Slater, who coordinated the work, monitored progress, and liaised with stakeholder teams.

The team employed a six-stage approach that included developing interactive website concepts, engaging stakeholders for feedback, and reviewing over 5,000 individual items for migration.

Content was migrated using a ‘lift and shift’ approach, refined by user feedback. The website was rigorously tested for mobile optimisation and compliance with the latest accessibility guidelines. The trust’s communications team was provided with training on the new CMS and accessibility post-launch, ensuring efficient ongoing management.

Impact

The new website now provides a user-friendly experience with improved navigation, rich media content, and is responsive to hundreds of users’ needs. The migration to WordPress has empowered the trust’s communications team to manage content updates with greater ease.

This transformation has addressed prior issues with content, links, searchability, and accessibility. The website is designed to be scalable for future development and has integrated robust document upload functionality, enhancing the trust’s digital presence as the central hub for information.

The project has delivered cost savings through reduced annual hosting fees and consolidated website management. The new CMS, tailored to the communications team’s needs, along with the integration of search engine optimisation tools like Yoast SEO, elevates the site’s visibility and user engagement. The website’s design also facilitates connection with the trust’s social media channels and includes features to improve accessibility and inclusivity, complying with WCAG 2.2 standards.

Feedback

“The team at the CSU have been a source of expert advice and guidance right from project conception through to delivery of our new trust website. A clear project plan from the outset, along with weekly touchpoint meetings and regular communication, made what was a daunting redesign and challenging content migration project feel much more manageable. The team listened to feedback throughout and were quick to act on this, completing what was a huge piece of work on time and to brief. We are delighted with our new website”. Rebecca Bourne | Deputy Director of Communications | Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.