NHS Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit

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…

25 January 2022

Using automation to reduce waiting lists

We have helped a hospital trust to tackle the backlog of waiting lists while maintaining quality of care by using a combination of chatbot, risk stratification and artificial intelligence.…

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…

11 January 2022

Making a difference through Equality, Health Inequality Impact & Risk Assessments

Our Equality & Inclusion Team supported development of a hot hub service managing COVID patients in Leicestershire. Background At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic Leicester, Leicestershire &…

11 January 2022

Ensuring essential information governance standards are up to date

Our Information Governance team provided crucial support to Warrington Primary Care Community Interest Company, ensuring the completion of essential Data Privacy Impact Assessments, guiding their first successful Data…

11 January 2022

Identifying and providing efficiencies for a mental health trust

Our finance experts helped North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust to find significant savings. Background North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust provides a range of mental health services…

10 January 2022

Meeting pandemic demand for oxygen and ventilators

Staff from across the NHS Midlands and Lancashire (NHS ML) was deployed to support a national programme for oxygen, ventilation, medical devices and clinical consumables which ensured that…

23 November 2021

Supporting infection prevention and control safety during COVID-19

We managed a programme of implementing infection prevention and control safety principles to reduce infection rates and provide better access to services during the pandemic. Background During the…

22 November 2021

Saving time in the core invoicing process

We saved time from data processing by introducing a new tool to streamline data entry when invoicing key customers. Background NHS Midlands and Lancashire used a manual process…

3 November 2021

Financial process automation saving up to 50 hours per month

Our Corporate Finance team has saved up to 50 hours per month in financial reporting and invoicing after introducing robotic process automation to some transactional finance processes. Background…

29 October 2021

Data warehouse cuts financial reporting time in half

We reduced the time it takes to process essential financial planning templates by 50% and established a data warehouse for financial reporting. Background Previously, the financial planning process…

20 October 2021

Better efficiency in uploading the financial forecast

We halved the time it takes to load the financial forecast into the ledger and reduced the risk of errors. Background NHS Midlands and Lancashire used a manual…

20 August 2021

Supporting a successful launch of proxy medicines ordering

Our Medicines Management and Optimisation team worked with the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, GP practices and care homes on a successful project to increase…

11 August 2021

Quick and easy patient referrals for post-Covid illness

Our Data Quality team developed a custom data input template to streamline referrals of patient with post-Covid illness, saving time and effort for clinicians, improving access for patients…

19 July 2021

UBook transforms room booking at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust

We created a single online system which allows staff at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust to book desks, meeting rooms and clinic rooms. UBook really came…

30 June 2021

Using expertise to help the Sue Ryder charity improve its medicines management

We worked with the Sue Ryder charity to enhance its medicines management and governance across 10 services in the UK, resulting in a positive working relationship and well-received…

30 June 2021

Improvement Unit leads work to transform NHS continuing healthcare across England

NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s Improvement Unit set up and managed a successful programme management office (PMO) for the National NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Strategic Improvement Programme. Background NHS…

30 June 2021

Helping health and care services across Cheshire and Merseyside to plan five-year programme of improvements

NHS Midlands and Lancashire (NHS ML) are proud to have supported Cheshire and Merseyside Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) with the development of their five-year strategy. Background NHS…

24 June 2021

Responding to the challenge of discharging patients during COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak placed an unprecedented strain on the health and social care system. A coordinated and well-managed response by NHS Midlands and Lancashire and adam has meant…

24 June 2021

Working with partners to create a faster, more efficient payment system for joint-funded care packages

The objective of the project was to streamline payments for joint funded packages between NHS Midlands and Lancashire (NHS ML) and Staffordshire County Council by moving to a…

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…

23 June 2021

NHS Digital Weight Management Programme uses technology to help hard-to-reach patient groups

We strongly believe that improving patient experience is at the heart of all that we do. In creating the weight management referral hub, we have embraced a person-centred…

22 June 2021

Rapid recruitment and training of expert CHC nurses to tackle the assessment backlog caused by…

Our programme helped the NHS to restore, recover and renew following the enormous disruption caused by COVID-19. It has created a blueprint for future recruitment and retention of…

22 June 2021

Boosting consultation and engagement through accessibility friendly innovation: Digital easy-read surveys

By producing easy-read versions of our questionnaires we can improve participation in our engagement and consultation exercises with people who would otherwise be put off by longer, more…

21 June 2021

Providing rapid recruitment services to NHS trusts in support of COVID-19 vaccination drive

Our work supported the recruitment of the bank and volunteer staff working at vaccination centres, at a time of high pressure in the NHS when work volumes were…

9 June 2021

Providing Media Management Training for CCG Senior Leaders

Background When NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) became a single organisation, a need for media training was identified to ensure all members had a…

9 June 2021

Stepping in to support strategic public health communications during the pandemic

Background As part of the ongoing response to the Coronavirus pandemic, St Helens Borough Council and NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) identified an increased need for…

9 June 2021

Providing a Central Integrated Care System Media Office

Background Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership (HCP) is an integrated care system where there is a collaborative partnership of local authority, NHS and community organisations…

9 June 2021

An accessible approach to explaining deaths of people with learning disabilities

Background The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCGs’ Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) annual report 2019/20 was not written with the public in mind. We were asked to produce an…

9 June 2021

Managing an acute trust’s annual report from start to finish – during the pandemic

Background The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust asked us to project manage their 2020/21 annual report and to showcase their achievements in a public summary. Action…

9 June 2021

Summarising a complex and high-profile consultation

Background The North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) requested support to summarise a complex public consultation about improving community-based services. NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s (NHS ML)…

21 May 2021

Clearing a 5,000-patient backlog of continuing healthcare assessments

We worked in partnership with local authorities to successfully complete retrospective assessments of individuals supported via COVID-19 funding arrangements during the suspension of the NHS Continuing Healthcare Framework.…

10 May 2021

Coordinating five CSUs to support national CCG mergers programme

We led a collaboration between the five care system support services in England to provide a range of programme management, project management and organisational change support, assisting the…

7 May 2021

Trailblazers in the North West help implement patient-clinician shared decision-making

We have been helping the recovery of elective care activity in the North West region, using innovative techniques to support engagement with NHS trusts for the national programme…

27 April 2021

Building a low-cost high-value website for GP surgeries

Using our website design tool, PrimaryWeb, and our tailored support, a GP partnership developed a purpose-built website to bring the services, guidance and stories of four practices all…

23 April 2021

Supporting the outpatient transformation programme in North East and Yorkshire

Our Improvement Unit supported the implementation of the outpatient transformation programme, optimising virtual consultations, increasing the rollout of patient-initiated follow up and mapping data from lessons learnt during…

21 April 2021

Providing workforce resource and expert pharmacy support to Nightingale hospital

NHS Midlands and Lancashire (NHS ML) successfully redeployed two staff members at short notice to provide essential pharmacy support at Manchester’s NHS Nightingale Hospital North West (NNW), contributing…

19 April 2021

Rapidly developing a bespoke booking system for flu jabs

We developed a tailored booking solution for Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s staff flu jab programme when COVID-19 made it unsafe to run the usual drop-in sessions with people…

26 March 2021

Mobilising a “Gold Command Room” to ease system pressure

We set up a “Gold Command Room” in collaboration with partners from across the Lancashire and South Cumbria health system, to provide tactical and analytical support and ease…

25 March 2021

Supporting the deployment of interim scheduling software for COVID-19 vaccinations

We facilitated the implementation of SimplyBook, an interim solution for COVID-19 vaccinations scheduling until the national system was operational. Background When NHS England and Improvement set an ambitious…

25 March 2021

Managing local delivery of the national vaccination programme

We provided programme and project management support to implement the national COVID-19 vaccination programme in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the Black Country, establishing over 50 vaccination centres. Background Commissioning…

9 March 2021

Improving medicines safety in care homes

Through structured medication reviews, we supported the proactive management of individual care home patients needs, saving over £149,000 in drug costs and on average 62 GP appointments per…

18 February 2021

Using chatbot technology to improve referral management

Using chatbot technology for our referral management service has increased efficiency and a better patient experience. Background Our Referral Management Centre (RMC) makes bookings when a patient is…

8 February 2021

Enabling two Merseyside based CCGs to block book beds with ease

We helped our clients in Merseyside to identify and commission the most appropriate block contract of intermediate care beds, reaching a decision on a provider in less than…

3 February 2021

Improving Hard to Source Items (HTSI) supply chain resilience during COVID-19 surge

Following the COVID-19 surge in demand for clinical consumables and services, we were tasked with finding alternative ways to procure hard to source items such as masks, filters,…

3 February 2021

Ensuring successful implementation of a PCN Directed Enhanced Services Contract

We planned and supported the implementation of services in Southport and Formby GPs, in accordance with the latest Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Services Contract. Background Southport &…

2 February 2021

Improving PPE procurement data quality for NHS Supply Chain

We managed a project with NHSEI to standardise data and improve the quality of the NHS Supply Chain database, supporting the procurement of PPE. Background The COVID-19 outbreak…

10 November 2020

Rapidly rolling out video consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic

NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s (NHS ML’s) change management specialists have ensured the rapid introduction of video consultations across the north of England to improve patient safety following the…

3 November 2020

Delivering a wave of rapid improvement challenges

We delivered a wave of rapid improvement challenges in elective care specialties across the North Region. BackgroundIn response to the continued operational pressures in elective care and following…

2 October 2020

Supporting the rapid procurement of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic

NHS ML seconded over a senior member of staff with specialist procurement expertise to support the government’s ventilator procurement programme. Background At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,…

11 August 2020

Enabling a population health management approach to improve end of life care

Our population health analytics platform, Aristotle Xi, has helped a group of Leicestershire general practices to offer the right support to a greater number of patients nearing the…

6 August 2020

Rapid development of a system-wide COVID-19 sit-rep dashboard

A much-needed daily dashboard was produced at pace to provide crucial up-to-date reporting on COVID-19 developments across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Background Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland health system…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

9 March 2020

Helping patients get the most benefit from their medicines

We used the Me and My Medicines campaign to help patients raise concerns and use their medicines more effectively. Background We worked with NHS Greater Preston and NHS…

14 February 2020

Evaluating the NHS continuing healthcare digital specification project

Our experts have helped to develop the national NHS continuing healthcare digital specification Background Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a complex, important and high cost element of clinical commissioning…

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…

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…

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…

22 November 2019

Integrating data analytics to support population health management in Dudley

We introduced a more effective approach to analysing data which ultimately improved service redesign with optimal cost effectiveness and outcomes. Background Population Health Management (PHM) is an approach…

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…

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…

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…

16 October 2019

Improving the quality and cost of ​blood glucose monitoring across the Mersey

We supported the CCG’s in developing an approach which resulted in cost improvements in expenditure and with a real view to developing this work further in the interest…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

20 March 2019

Lancashire and South Cumbria audiology re-procurement​ communications and engagement mid-point review​

A robust mid-point review was conducted which was key in developing future communications and engagement actions with planning requirements for the new procurement. Background Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)…

14 March 2019

Developing an innovative procurement process ​to support transformation of a discharge pathway​

We were successful in developing a procurement process which was very effective both in reducing costs and significantly improving the patient journey Background Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR)…

14 March 2019

Supporting primary care ​with robust IT infrastructure 

Our IT projects team successfully undertook a cabinet refresh and installation programme in 55 practices as part of a phase one implementation.   Background Sandwell and West Birmingham…

5 March 2019

Supporting a hospital Trust ​to transition systems in record time

Our Digital Innovation Unit and Finance Team successfully implemented a necessary update to transition systems for financial reporting and ensuring completion within a tight timeframe. Background North Staffordshire…

4 March 2019

Procuring a cutting-edge communications ​system for Worcestershire GPs

We provided a robust and tailored solution transferring communication systems in GP surgeries across Worcestershire, ensuring excellent value for money. Background When GP surgeries across Worcestershire came together…

28 February 2019

Innovative procurement ​of pain management services​

​We worked with West Lancashire CCG to develop the iHELP service, a clinically led solution which significantly improves patient care whilst also reducing unit costs.  Background West Lancashire had no…

22 February 2019

Delivering personal health budgets for children ​and young people with complex health needs in Leicestershire

​We were the first children’s continuing care team with all eligible cases on a PHB. PHB’s have since become the default offer for all eligible children with home…

14 February 2019

Evaluating a diverse set of interventions ​in a high profile setting

Working in partnership with ICF, we undertook an evaluation, at pace, of service innovations, which was very well-received, informing the Partnership Board on next steps for a new…

12 February 2019

Creating a cutting-edge website ​for an innovative primary care organisation

We created a cutting-edge innovative website for the Modality Partnership, the first GP super-partnership operating primary health care nationally.  Background The nation’s first GP super-partnership, The Modality Partnership is…

6 February 2019

System-wide bariatrics commissioning​ – north region

​We rapidly responded to a crisis with the Tier 4 Bariatric Service by providing support services across the north region ensuring the vital continuation of patient access  …

6 February 2019

Profiling populations and integrating data to improve care ​in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland​

We supported the drive on population profiling and risk stratification work to inform a range of activity across the STP area whilst having significant input into the data…

4 January 2019

Ensuring safety of residents ​during a nursing home crisis​​

We responded quickly, efficiently, and with compassion to an urgent need to support residents of a nursing home facing imminent closure. Background A nursing home in Southport was closing…

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)…

5 October 2018

Supporting a behaviour change campaign​

We produced a range of methodologies which resulted in devoted resources and budget supporting strategies likely to achieve maximum impact and influence the population. Background We have been…

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 all feedback from a formal consultation producing a full report of findings presented to the NHSE Board with proposals for…

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…