The Healthcare Alliance is designed as a collaborative model, supporting greater alignment and joint programmes of work between acute Trusts. In March 2019 The Healthcare Alliance was given approval to continue for the next four years. This is very exciting news for both Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, as it means we can continue to collaborate on improving patient care and experience.
The Healthcare Alliance builds on the success of the Foundation Healthcare Group Vanguard collaboration between the two organisations. The Healthcare Alliance has continued to collaborate on improving patient care and key achievements so far include:
- Dartford and Gravesham have been given access to the King’s Health Partners Local Care Record so that clinicians in Dartford and Gravesham can view King’s Health Partners patient records and improve the ability of clinicians to make more joined up decisions on treatment. Plans for the next year are expected to enable Guy’s and St Thomas’ to access Dartford and Gravesham patient information.
- Remote reporting of radiology images is in the process of being tested in each Trust, with a view to increasing both Trusts' reporting capacity. Enablement of the sharing of images between clinicians involved in patients’ treatment pathways in both trusts has now implemented
- The roll out of the Nightingale project and principles from the enhanced care collaborative across all Dartford and Gravesham wards, providing training and a ward accreditation system. Results of staff surveys taken before implementation of the Nightingale programme versus three months post-implementation show significant improvements. The new process means that nursing staff now see their patients within the first 15 mins of their shift; they are able to greet them at the bedside, introduce themselves and involve the patient in the handover. Patients are also more informed of their plan for the day as this is discussed during the bedside handover.
- Oxleas, Dartford & Gravesham and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation Trusts are beginning a combined partnership at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup. This partnership will work to provide 2 surgical theatres as part of Guy’s and St Thomas’. By combining our resources and expertise, patients will have better access to simple surgical procedures, closer to home. This will also increase the amount of specialist treatments that can take place at Guy’s and St Thomas’, allowing us to make the most of our resources.
- Aligning the approach to leadership and cultural development across The Healthcare Alliance, including taking advantage of opportunities in areas such as secondments, mentoring, reverse mentoring, shared development programmes, and others.
- Working with the two cancer alliances to streamline cancer pathways, improving diagnosis and treatment and overall coordination of care during the cancer pathway.
We will continue to report on the successes and learning from the Healthcare Alliance throughout 2020/21. If the collaboration continues to prove successful in its new format, other NHS trusts may join The Healthcare Alliance over time.
