An Improvement peer learning event on Optimising patient flow using Continuous Improvement held on Wednesday, 26 February 2025. 

Facilitated by chair: Dimple Keen - Head of Development and Engagement at NHS Providers.

Speakers:

• Michael Anderson (Associate Director of Improvement and Transformation, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust) shared how their trust has implemented a quality management system which gives rise to three breakthrough priorities one of which is flow, plus how they have utilised continuous improvement and tools such as rapid improvement workshops to catalyse and progress that work. View Michael's presentation here. 

• Paul Brookes-Baker (Head of Continuous Improvement, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust) shared about the trust’s continuous improvement culture strategy and how they are currently implementing a three-month pilot for their frailty same day emergency care unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. View Paul's presentation here. 

• Tara Bain (Service Manager, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) discussed their Primary Care Access Line (PCAL) service, a telephone line which takes acute referrals from all primary care providers in Leeds and directs them to the most appropriate services, with an aim of reducing admissions to A&E. View Tara's presentation here. 

• Alyson Beckett (Head of Nursing, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) gave an overview of a whole trust improvement project they’ve implemented, using their Leeds Improvement Methodology (based on VMI principles) which aims to empower staff to improve ward efficiency and reduce patient length of stay. Alyson shared the process they’ve gone through, the tools they’re using and the impacts of the initiative so far. View Alyson's presentation here. 

Resources

You can access a resource which gives key messages from each of the presentations in further detail, as well as delegate reflections, questions and answers from the sessions, and results of polls taken throughout the event.

View the slides from the session here.