What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can we improve across system boundaries?​

The challenge that the project aims to address is the need to facilitate the transfer of non-SACT work within the SACT unit while also supporting the Haematology and Gastroenterology departments. By purchasing six new chairs for the Medical Day Case Unit (MDU), this project seeks to increase capacity, reduce wait times, improve access, and enhance productivity across system boundaries.

This connects with the team as it will enable collaboration and partnership between different departments or units within the healthcare system. Ensuring MDU have adequate capacity to allow the transfer of non-SACT work ensures non-malignant haematology patients are treated in the right specialist area. This will seek to improve collaboration and support between the two units.

This will prevent hospital admissions for day case treatments, improving patient experience and freeing up valuable inpatient resources.

What does your project aim to achieve?

By purchasing six new chairs for the MDU, this project seeks to increase capacity, reduce wait times, improve access, and enhance productivity across system boundaries.

With additional chairs within the MDU, the SACT unit can accommodate more patients and provide faster service, which in turn reduces the burden on the haematology and gastroenterology departments by facilitating smoother transitions and quicker turnaround times for patients moving between units.

Ensuring the services are performed at the correct department with the right expertise which is currently not happening. Non-malignant haematology patients will receive faster, improved access to the specialist care on MDU which they currently do not receive.

How will the project be delivered?

This project will be led by Avni Boulbouldjou, Service Improvement Lead for the Cancer Services at HDFT. The project team includes Helen Siewruk-Barnes (General Manager for Cancer Services), Gemma Brooksbank (Matron for Haematology and Oncology), Kathryn Fowler (Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre Unit Manager), and Laura Smith (Lead SACT Nurse).

A recent quote with up-to-date prices has been received for the chairs. The price is £4,250 plus VAT per chair and £24,480 plus VAT for 6 chairs (Discount applies above 5 chairs. £4,080 plus VAT per chair)

KPIs such as performance and capacity data, number of incidents, and patient feedback will be collected for 12 months to measure the success of the project. This data will be reviewed regularly following the purchase of the chairs and risks will be assessed as part of these meetings.

How is your project going to share learning?

We would like to participate and share the success and learning that comes out of this project on any Q community platforms. We will also share our learnings internally as part of the board meetings, quality improvement meetings, and training (if suitable). As the service improvement lead, I have regular opportunities to share these learnings with other service improvement leads who are part of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance. Finally, success and learnings will also be shared in site-specific Optimal Pathway Group meetings where managers and clinical staff from other organisations are present.