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 and on schedule.

Background

Due to space constraints and expansion plans for Shawbirch Medical Centre’s patient services, the GP practice partnership initiated the construction of a new facility. This new building would offer an expanded footprint, accommodate new staff, provide additional services, and relocate the practice to a more suitable location. Additionally, the Royal Wolverhampton Trust (RWT) expressed interest in establishing a neurology service within the practice, with the building slated for completion in July 2022.

In April 2022, NHS Midlands and Lancashire (NHS ML) were engaged to oversee the IT requirements (network, infrastructure, and hardware) for the practice and facilitate the integration of the RWT neurology service. The project aimed to relocate the practice to the new building while modernising desktop hardware and updating outdated software, facilitating the installation of the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) to enable additional services, including RWT neurology, to operate from the new facility, and properly dispose of IT hardware from the previous building in accordance with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) guidelines.

Action

The Digital Transformation team implemented NHS ML’s established project management approach, which includes planning, execution, control and reporting, and review and closure stages.

Project implementation encompassed:

• Commissioning, installation, and segregation of the new HSCN network circuit, with dedicated bandwidth for the new services 
• Installing a new communications cabinet, network hardware, server, WiFi infrastructure, healthcare kiosk, patient calling system, and IT desktop hardware for over 70 users 
• Full decommissioning of the old premises. 

Maintaining uninterrupted service to patients remained a top priority during this project, with NHS ML ensuring its feasibility. Real-time issue management and resolution during the inaugural week of operation contributed to the project’s overall success.

Impact

The project was executed successfully, meeting its deadline, and Shawbirch Medical Centre opened as scheduled in July. This transition occurred seamlessly for both staff and patients.

Shortly thereafter, the RTW neurology services were launched as planned with service providers, and the implementation proceeded without any reported issues.

The introduction of digital arrival and patient calling screens significantly improved patient processes, freeing up more staff time for other essential activities.

The decommissioning of the old practice was successfully completed, and the project concluded within budgetary constraints.

Feedback

I would just like to say that we were extremely pleased with how the new build migration went. Despite some stressful moments in the weeks leading up to the move regarding dates, it all went really well. Kam (Project Manager) and Steve (Project Co-ordinator), along with the IT team who were on site were fantastic. It was extremely well organised, and the IT guys were really helpful.

Ruth Waldendorf  | Shawbirch Practice Manager

I’d like to echo that too as it went so smoothly, thanks to Kam and Steven for their great work.

Anthony Armstrong | ICB Primary Care Trust IT Lead, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICB

Further information

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