NHS Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit

15 April 2019

Effectively dealing with a cyber security ​incident – WannaCry

We led an exemplary response to a WannaCry cyber incident ensuring minimal impact on primary care services and rapid resolution Background In May 2017 our IT team received…

16 July 2020

Increasing uptake of ​Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)​

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS England required a rapid increase in the uptake of Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) across the Midlands. We led a collaborative project…

1 September 2018

Supporting a practice with financial turnaround​

We supported a social enterprise practice in Stoke-on Trent with vital financial guidance, enabling additional income to be secured Background A Community Interest Company (social enterprise) practice in Stoke-on-Trent…

5 October 2018

Communications and engagement ​to support policy harmonisation

CCG’s in Merseyside and parts of Cheshire undertook a thorough review of suites of policies in two phases effectively communicating outcomes to stakeholders Background Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)…

30 April 2019

Ensuring safe use of data ​for population health management​

We participated in a national population health management development programme ensuring senior IG involvement across the ICS footprint Background Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria ICS is participating in…

5 October 2018

Using social media to drive recruitment

We delivered a successful ‘short and sharp’ campaign to recruit more permanent nurses to the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust​. Background George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust needed to…

5 October 2018

Supporting a consultation into prescription ​of medications available over the counter​

Commissioned by NHS England, we collated and analysed feedback from a formal consultation on reducing prescriptions for minor conditions, saving the NHS £569 million annually. Our Medicines Management…

22 June 2023

Medicines Safety Assurance Tool (MSAT), developed in 2014 and still in demand

In 2014, we introduced the Medicines Safety Assurance Tool (MSAT) to help healthcare organisations systematically assess medicines safety and ensure compliance with safety alerts. This tool, developed by…

15 May 2019

Supporting financial reporting and control ​for a rapidly expanded GP federation​

We supported the North Staffordshire GP Federation operationally, providing a financial overview of income and expenditure, resulting in improved financial reporting systems, enabling the Federation Board to make informed…

4 July 2019

Enabling block booking ​of discharge-to-assess beds​

We were successful in supporting the quick turnaround of a block booking of beds urgently required for several elderly mentally infirm and general nursing patients. Background NHS Vale…

27 September 2019

Using machine learning models to improve patient care and engagement​

We worked together to determine individual care pathways and optimal engagement which led to an improved service with better clinical outcomes for Lion Health patients in Dudley Background…

27 September 2019

Using data from assistive technology ​to prevent hospital admissions in Worcestershire​

We worked in partnership to develop a working hypothesis, creating a new system to enable data to map the wider patient journey across Worcestershire. Background The Internet of…

6 August 2019

Improving management and support for people with back pain in Humber Coast and Vale

We delivered a specialty-based rapid improvement across Humber Coast and Vale, improving patient outcomes, resulting in fewer referrals to secondary care Background In response to the continued operational pressures…

9 August 2019

Improving equality and diversity reporting in Leicestershire

We successfully delivered an Equality and Diversity workshop which greatly improved the understanding of equality and diversity reporting by provider organisations across Leicestershire.   Background The three Leicestershire…

28 October 2019

Dynamic purchasing of continuing healthcare in Cheshire and Wirral

We introduced our successful dynamic purchasing system across the continuing healthcare service in Cheshire and Wirral resulting in huge cost savings within 12 months of operation. Background Following…

20 November 2019

Successfully navigating a commissioner through a large contract dispute

We provided a wealth of support to CCG partners during a multi-issue dispute resulting in a successful outcome for Staffordshire CCG East Staffordshire division Background The Staffordshire Clinical…

22 December 2023

Improving workforce sustainability at an NHS foundation trust

Our Organisational Development team implemented a dynamic five-year integrated workforce plan at an NHS foundation trust, resulting in a clear prioritised plan of action to achieve a strategically…

3 December 2019

Supporting care navigation with data expertise

We introduced care navigation into practices across North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent which greatly improved the patient experience and significantly released capacity in practices. Background Care navigation uses signposting…

21 November 2019

Improving the handling of complaints

Thorough research and analysis by our Complaints & PALS Team informed commissioners of best practice which ultimately led to improvements in the handling of complaints and service change…

19 December 2023

Supporting the transition to an integrated care board

Our Digital Transformation team’s expertise in programme management significantly enhanced an integrated care system’s readiness for the 2023 integrated care board (ICB) transition, establishing a robust programme management…

9 April 2024

Supporting hospital transformation programmes to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion considerations

Between 2022 and 2023, our Inclusion Unit provided a bespoke ‘due regard’ support package to the Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme (NHP), helping to further embed…

13 December 2023

Enhancing programme management office functions at Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care system

Our Digital Transformation team’s in-depth review and strategic guidance significantly improved Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care system’s programme management office, leading to enhanced governance, better resource allocation,…

27 November 2019

Improving the delivery of glaucoma services

In a swift response to increasing numbers of patients with ophthalmic disease, we supported Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital with the successful design and delivery of a virtual…

27 November 2019

Supporting reduction of ‘did not attend’ rates for paediatric ophthalmology

We created an effective, transferable process for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals to address rising paediatric ophthalmology ‘did not attend’ rates, resulting in a significant improvement. Background In response…

14 January 2020

Providing data protection support for a GP Federation in Staffordshire

We provided the North Staffordshire GP Federation with vital resource and operational support ensuring project set-up within the specified timeline. Background North Staffordshire GP Federation is a membership organisation…

9 March 2020

Supporting delivery of Staffordshire’s integrated care record programme

We have successfully introduced and effectively rolled out the integrated care record programme across Staffordshire county. Background NHS Midlands and Lancashire has provided the programme management team for…

30 March 2020

Enabling increased prescribing collaboration across Merseyside

Following a thorough review process to ensure a safe and cost-effective use of medicines across Merseyside, the prescribing collaboration has significantly improved patient care amongst Wirral residents. Background…

13 May 2020

Using a prior approval scheme to reduce inappropriate referrals for treatment

We vastly improved our funding application process by creating a comprehensive Individual Prior Approval Scheme, resulting in efficiency savings, improved patient flow with a faster turnaround of applications…

4 August 2020

Improving commissioner management of nursing care providers

The significant impact of improved supplier relationship management resulted in lowering hospital admissions, performance improvements and financial savings within the first 12 months of operation. Background Nursing care…

23 June 2021

Improving the process for managing domiciliary care placements

We introduced a brand-new management process for domiciliary care placements to benefit both patients and providers, successfully implementing provision across Staffordshire. Background Clinical commissioning groups in Staffordshire wanted to…

13 November 2023

Navigating winter challenges with a proactive resilience strategy

Our strategy in navigating winter challenges enabled real-time monitoring and prompt adjustments in urgent and emergency care capacity, significantly improving patient outcomes and decision-making processes in the NHS…

10 November 2023

Enhancing equality impact assessments at Terrence Higgins Trust

The Inclusion Unit’s workshops significantly improved Terrence Higgins Trust’s approach to equality impact assessments, fostering deeper engagement, understanding, and a shift towards more inclusive and effective decision-making processes.…

9 November 2023

Driving healthcare transformation through data-driven intelligence

We achieved a system-wide enhancement in healthcare service delivery, decision-making efficiency, and operational effectiveness through advanced data management and performance analytics. Background In 2020, the Lancashire and South…

3 November 2023

Examining health inequalities among people with learning disabilities in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland

This study revealed significant health disparities among people with learning disabilities in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, prompting targeted prevention efforts, increased awareness of intersectionality, and a focus on…

13 October 2023

Empowering Rose: Court of Protection and exemplary application of the Mental Capacity Act

We supported an integrated care board (ICB) to assess the mental capacity of a patient with complex issues, represented the ICB at Court of Protection proceedings and ensured…

13 October 2023

Strengthening Dudley Integrated Health and Care Trusts operations through programme management

Our programme management capabilities significantly enhanced the operations of Dudley Integrated Health and Care Trust, ensuring timely project completion and embedding a value-optimising framework for sustained future success…

27 September 2023

IT integration and facility upgrade for the Shawbirch Medical Centre

Our Digital Transformation team seamlessly transitioned Shawbirch Medical Centre to their new facility, introducing advanced IT systems, successfully integrating neurology services, and enhancing patient experience, all within budget…

17 April 2018

Dynamic purchasing  of continuing healthcare in Staffordshire

We introduced an electronic dynamic purchasing system, which streamlined the process for purchasing care home placements.  This allowed for significant efficiency savings within the system with over 1900…

25 September 2023

Digital roadmap for implementing a primary care network clinical system hub

We helped implement a clinical system hub which led to significant cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and halved GP time for Worcester City Primary Care Network (PCN), demonstrating the…

25 August 2023

Preventing cardiovascular diseases through lipid therapy modification 

We adopted a systematic strategy to identify primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease which resulted in enhanced lipid therapy, lifestyle advice and a 65% patient satisfaction rate.…

17 August 2023

Improving the safety of patients prescribed clozapine

Our partnership with a local mental health trust resulted in advancements in addressing inadequate clozapine documentation, leading to improved patient safety, optimised medication processes, and quantifiable cost savings.…

14 August 2023

Improving outcomes for vulnerable residents in Lancashire and South Cumbria

Our Business Intelligence team’s data-driven approach led to: improved care access, lowered acute service demand, and empowered patients, making a positive difference for vulnerable residents in Lancashire and…

2 August 2023

Inhaler prescribing errors: Identifying risks and improving patient safety

We improved patient safety and raised awareness across GPs, hospitals and community pharmacy of the risks of prescribing inhalers containing duplicate ingredients from the same drug group by…

31 July 2023

Improving epilepsy services and reducing health inequalities

We brought together patients, experts and care system partners to identify areas of concern which contribute to premature avoidable death in people suffering with learning disabilities and autism…

18 July 2023

Bespoke coaching to support staff through new or difficult situations 

We supported staff through challenging situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, organisational change, and developing communication skills which resulted in improved well-being, minimal work-related stress absences, constructive dialogue…

17 July 2023

Understanding mental health attendance in Emergency Departments

Our dashboard on mental health attendance in Emergency Departments empowered commissioners and providers to identify care variations, establish baselines, evaluate initiatives, and enhance support, leading to improved planning…

26 June 2023

Enhancing elective surgery outcomes

Our expertise in information governance has played a crucial role in improving surgical outcomes through the Surgery Hero project, reducing complications, minimising cancellations, and shortening post-surgery stays. Background…

22 June 2023

Patient flow efficiency in five acute and community trusts

We successfully improved patient flow efficiency in five acute and community trusts, achieving zero ambulance delays, reducing handover times, and implementing timely crew shift completions through data-driven strategies…

15 June 2023

Increasing patient referrals to the National Diabetes Prevention Programme

By implementing effective strategies, we increased patient referrals to the National Diabetes Prevention Programme. The number of primary care referrals more than doubled, with 42 GP practices actively…

5 July 2023

NHS-funded nursing care reviews

Efficiently completing overdue NHS-funded nursing care reviews within budget, our team ensured individuals’ health and social care needs were met, identified necessary referrals, and fostered strong partnerships with…

23 May 2023

Supporting the delivery of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS green plan 

Our support in developing the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS green plan resulted in a robust and deliverable plan that aligned with the ICS’s objectives, demonstrating their commitment to…

12 May 2023

Support for ICB’s ledger build: Streamlining the transition to an integrated single financial environment

We streamlined the transition to an integrated single financial environment for 11 clinical commissioning groups to integrated care boards (ICBs) ledger builds, delivering all implementations on time with…

9 May 2023

E-learning product on net-zero carbon emissions target

Our e-learning product on net-zero carbon emissions raised awareness amongst staff of both organisational and national net-zero targets and helped to raise awareness of NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s…

3 May 2023

Using geo-spatial analysis to determine the impact of a hospital service reconfiguration

We provided detailed geo-spatial analysis that was central to determining the impact on patients in a complex hospital service reconfiguration project, which was essential for commissioner assurance and…

28 April 2023

Positive impact of physiotherapy pilot programme 

We increased the coverage of physiotherapy services from approximately 3% to 15% and improved communication and reporting, resulting in a significant positive impact of the physiotherapy pilot programme…

14 April 2023

Risk and governance processes review and recommendations

We provided specialist support to an acute trust to accelerate improvement by developing a risk management program to reduce risks, assuring quality by making recommendations, and developing a…

11 April 2023

From strategy to execution: Delivering a comprehensive digital transformation investment plan

We prepared a comprehensive three-year Digital Transformation Investment Plan that seamlessly integrated into the full Integrated Care Board (ICB) Plan, driving digital transformation and delivering exceptional value to…

3 April 2023

Enhancing clinical audit processes: A review of an acute trust

We made a significant impact on an acute trust’s clinical audit processes by providing a thorough diagnostic report and recommendations aligned with best practices, resulting in improved quality…

30 March 2023

Improving risk management in an Acute Trust: A case study of streamlining internal processes

We undertook a diagnostic review that optimised the underutilised features of a risk management system and simplified data capture, resulting in improved risk and incident management for the…

23 March 2023

Transforming healthcare: Developing Integrated Service Models for the Shrewsbury Health and Wellbeing Hub

We supported the development of a new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Shrewsbury by designing and agreeing on integrated care models based on best practices for frailty, long-term…

20 March 2023

Evaluating a digital tool to manage caseload and care in community mental health​

We helped reduce mental health crisis rates and optimise user flows by introducing a new data capture tool, evaluating existing digital tools and implementing a service redesign which…

16 March 2023

Maximising value for limited funding: Efficiency analysis for COPD pathway

By analysing the results from stakeholder decision conferences along with the STAR tool, we empowered ICSs to efficiently allocate resources for COPD patients and maximise value within limited…

9 March 2023

Our Way Of Working: Embedding a new agile and flexible organisational culture at NHS Midlands and…

Through extensive engagement and consultation processes, and a robust communications strategy, we successfully fostered a culture of agility and off-site working, allowing our people to shape how we…

6 March 2023

Implementing the NHS smoking cessation service at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

We provided support to the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, enabling them to become an early adopter of the NHS smoking cessation service and contribute efficiently towards…

3 March 2023

Developing shared values for a new PCN

We helped a primary care network create and establish a new set of shared meaningful values developed by staff as part of their organisational development plan. Background Bridgedale…

26 January 2023

Using automation to reduce waiting lists across ICBs

Using a combination of automated chatbot, robotic process automation and human call agents, we helped trusts within integrated care boards (ICBs) contact 80% of their waiting lists, with…

15 August 2022

Improving health outcomes using our population health management tool

Using our population health management tool, we have helped identify people with clinical and social issues across Lancashire and South Cumbria, enabling early interventions to improve health outcomes.…

2 August 2022

Implementing financial reporting tools at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Our support has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of financial information held. Background The Finance Department at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust required…

22 July 2022

Pharmacy support to Lancashire and South Cumbria COVID-19 vaccination programme

We provided insight to clinical enquiries, produced reports and worked to develop standard operating procedures to help improve patient safety and increase access to the vaccine in Lancashire…

18 July 2022

Cost saving and wider expertise with HR services at scale

We provide a centralised HR function to five integrated care boards which ensures that better quality and a wider breadth of HR services are provided at a lower…

20 July 2022

Improving high-dose opioid prescribing

We helped Greater Preston and Chorley & South Ribble Clinical Commissioning Groups significantly reduce high-dose opioid prescribing, bringing it into line with evidence-based recommendations. Read the full case…

8 July 2022

Digitally enabling blood pressure monitoring at home

We helped the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System increase patients measuring their blood pressure at home, delivering a major digital transformation within primary care which became the…

7 July 2022

Improving medicines safety in Wirral care homes

Our intensive care home medication review in Wirral resulted in significant improvements in pharmaceutical care. By optimising medication use, reducing waste, and enhancing communication between care home staff,…

1 July 2022

Facilitating wellbeing conversations with health and care staff: Be Well Midlands

We helped health and care leaders in the Midlands to take a transparent, collaborative approach to uncovering opportunities for improvement in staff health and wellbeing and creating an…

1 June 2022

Enabling remote healthcare monitoring in Black Country and West Birmingham

We designed and implemented a programme of transformation to enable remote monitoring across healthcare in the Black Country and West Birmingham health system. Background In 2021, NHS England…

27 May 2022

Improving care for people with learning disabilities and autism

We codesigned and delivered a transformation programme for the improvement of care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Background NHS England and NHS Improvement set out key…

24 May 2022

Achieving the best from primary care network pharmacy teams

We provided a tailored package of strategic and operational support to a newly formed pharmacy team at a primary care network, helping them increase the rate of structured…

18 May 2022

Discovering efficiencies and service improvements in Leicestershire

We helped an NHS trust analyse and visualise data on key performance indicators with the aim of releasing efficiencies and to assess inequalities in service provision on a…

10 May 2022

COVID-19 vaccine safety at primary care network vaccination centres

We ensured that vaccination centres functioned with safety at the highest level by training staff and providing ongoing senior pharmaceutical support. Background When the COVID-19 vaccination programme began,…

25 April 2022

Helping a COVID-19 vaccination programme provide an efficient and equitable service

Our business intelligence experts helped the Lancashire and South Cumbria COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to provide an efficient and equitable service. Background The Lancashire and South Cumbria COVID-19 vaccination…

5 April 2022

Increasing the uptake of health checks for patients with severe mental illness

We helped integrated care systems increase numbers of annual physicals health checks for patients with severe mental illness by finding and implementing suitable technology to enable healthcare staff…

4 April 2022

Helping North Staffordshire Trust pay suppliers

We quickly mobilised financial services helping an NHS Trust to process and pay supplier invoices. Background In April 2021, a cohort of learning disabilities and mental health patient…

31 March 2022

Integrating data for the Combined Intelligence for Population Health Action (CIPHA) platform

We helped key stakeholders in the Cheshire and Merseyside health system see combined intelligence reports on capacity and demand for health services, allowing them to respond to COVID-19…

22 March 2022

Support to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination in the workplace

We facilitated the design of and implemented a bespoke online tool to make it easier for staff to report bullying, harassment and discrimination Background ‘Your Voice: Report and…

18 March 2022

Success in setting up community pharmacy services

We helped commissioners with medicines management expertise in setting up and maintaining community pharmacy services, freeing up capacity across primary care. Read the full case study For more…

15 March 2022

Embedding equalities and inclusive decision making in the LLR system

We helped an integrated care system implement a framework for making decisions that addresses bias and improves how equality is considered from the outset of decisions and proposals. …

10 March 2022

Improving equity and equality in maternity and neonatal care

We combined national metrics and local NHS, council and third sector data to help health systems understand where there are inequalities within local services. Background There was a…

2 March 2022

Improving use of medicines across Merseyside – Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee

We had another successful year in 2020/21 at the Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee promoting the safe and efficient use of medicines and completing a series of medicines…

7 February 2022

Evaluating the national Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes programme

The evaluation of the National Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes (MOCH) programme demonstrated significant improvements in medication management, including reduced doses, discontinuation of unnecessary medications, and decreased use…

7 February 2022

Taking an integrated approach to equality and inclusion planning

We helped the council and clinical commissioning group in Trafford to develop a joint five-year equality, diversity and inclusion strategy. Background Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Trafford…

4 February 2022

Leading a hospital transformation programme

We developed a strategic outline case setting out the ambitions and next steps in one of the NHS’s largest hospital transformation programmes. Background The Transformation Unit at NHS…

2 February 2022

Incontinence medication reviews offer major patient benefits

We enabled medication reviews of patients with long-term prescriptions for urinary incontinence medication which enabled clinicians to recommend ‘drug holidays’. Read the full case study For more information…

2 February 2022

Boosting GP community pharmacy consultations

Our work supporting implementation of the GP Community Pharmacy Consultation Service in the East of England led to a significant increase in practices referring patients with minor ailments…

28 January 2022

Improving health and wellbeing for NHS workers

We developed resources and videos and provided expert advice and evaluation to help NHS England and Improvement gather, develop and outline a wide range of wellbeing support options…

27 January 2022

Supporting redesign of acute services

Our Transformation Unit helped develop a new model of care for acute services at a health and social care partnership alliance. Background Cheshire East Partnership is an alliance…

21 January 2022

Ensuring a COVID-19 vaccination programme met the Public Sector Equality Duty

Our experts ensured that the Lancashire and South Cumbria Vaccination Programme met the Public Sector Equality Duty. Background Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC) Vaccination Programme Board requested support…

20 January 2022

Advancing engagement and shared learning for COVID-19 support programme

We helped deliver the strategic engagement and created opportunities for shared learning in the development of a national programme of Community Champions supporting risk groups with COVID-19. Background…

19 January 2022

Supporting development of national digital strategies

Our Transformation Unit was commissioned by NHSX to support in the development of its national digital strategies for ambulance, community, dentistry, optometry and community pharmacy sectors. Background There…

14 January 2022

Supporting infection prevention and control with analytics

We analysed data and provided insight which informed a national programme for improving infection prevention and control about where to focus support to reduce infection levels. Background Following…