The challenge
Tees Valley ICB serves a population of approximately 677,000 people across five local authorities: Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton, Hartlepool and Darlington.
Following engagement, NECS found the range of Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) services across Tees Valley were confusing and patients were unsure where to go when ill or injured, due to the differing models of service in place.
The objective for NECS was to ensure there was standardisation and consistency of the UEC offer across the Tees Valley, in line with NHS Long-Term Plans to reduce the number of transfers patients had been experiencing and enable appropriate care in a timely manner.
Our response
In collaboration with ICB colleagues, a number of workshops were facilitated by NECS to scope the current offer and develop plans for improvements. This was supported by a group of clinical and organisational leads across the Tees Valley area. The aim was to develop a model to formulate the vision for UEC across Tees (excluding Darlington Local Authority).
Techniques and Tools
- Along with Communications and Engagement colleagues, NECS engaged with the public and wider stakeholders to gather feedback using various mediums, including engagement sessions, surveys and VCSE groups.
- Supported the writing of a capital funding business case.
- In collaboration with Finance determined the financial envelope.
- Business Intelligence provided support to understand the current and potential future demand.
- Produced a Service Specification
- Undertook a procurement exercise for one Integrated Urgent Care service across the Tees Valley.
- Worked with the successful bidder to mobilise the service.
Outcomes
Working in collaboration with partners, NECS assisted in creating a bid which secured £10million capital funding to build an Urgent Treatment Centre on the James Cook site (South Tees Hospital NHS Foundation Trust).
With the support from numerous teams across NECS, Tees Valley ICB procured and mobilised a 10 year, £168m service for Urgent Care across North and South Tees which brings a standardised and consistent UEC service to Tees Valley patients.
“To provide a high quality, standardised and seamless urgent and emergency care service that is responsive to the needs of patients across the Tees Valley, ensuring that every patient is seen by the right person, in the right place at the right time.”