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Efficient Government Fund EGF)1)1)21 Grampian Equipment and Adaptation Service

DescriptionTo create a "Grampian Equipment and Adaptation Service" to promote a strategic approach to planning services, joint working and organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
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Official Print Publication Date
Website Publication DateDecember 08, 2005

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EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT FUND

Stage 1 application - expression of interest

Part 1: Summary Table

Bid number (for EG use)

Lead bidder

Susan Macpherson
Grampian Joint Equipment Project Manager
NHS Grampian
Bennachie
Cornhill Hospital
Cornhill road
ABERDEEN
AB25 2ZH
Tel: 01224 557767 or mobile: 07866 957037
E.mail: susan.macpherson@nhs.net

Brief description of the aims of the project

To create a "Grampian Equipment and Adaptation Service" to promote:

  • A strategic approach to planning services involving all stakeholders
  • Better co-ordination and joint working between organisations building on existing collaboration
  • Improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of information, assessment and supply
  • Grampian wide policies and procedures, management and performance information

Clear description of what the EGF money would be used to buy

  • An internet based IT System that will allow all stakeholders access to relevant and up to date information on equipment and adaptations
  • An equipment manager and additional staff to assist with the implementation and ultimate management/provision of a new service
  • Upgrade and adaptation of a main store, decontamination unit and satellite stores across Grampian

Partners to the project likely to commit resources

NHS Grampian

Aberdeen City Local Authority

Aberdeenshire Local Authority

Moray Local Authority

Ambulance Service

Red Cross

Fire Brigade

Names of other organisations with whom the project has been discussed (to assist the introductions process)

NHS Grampian

Aberdeen City Local Authority

Aberdeenshire Local Authority

Moray Local Authority

Ambulance Service

Red Cross

Fire Brigade

Carers Groups and Forums

Evidence that suggested approach has been deployed successfully elsewhere

  • In England Joint Equipment Services are up and running and have proven to be very successful. An Integrated Community Equipment Service ( ICES) web site ( www.icesdoh.org.uk ) has been set up with information and updates on the services in England.
  • Other areas in Scotland have commenced with setting up Integrated Equipment Services and personnel in Grampian have visited Greater Glasgow Independent Living Equipment Store ( GGILES) (www.ggiles.org) which covers Dunbarton and Glasgow local authorities and NHS Glasgow.
  • Audit Scotland have made a number of recommendations regarding the implementation of Joint Integrated Equipment and Adaptations Services (Adapting to the Future - August 2004)

Are there any restrictions to potential for enlargement of the project ( i.e. technology, number of partners etc)

IT system imperative to allow further development of the service to include equipment libraries for primary and acute health services and local authorities. Hand held equipment that links to the IT system will need to be utilised and scheduling of transport for equipment deliveries/uplifts could include specimens, drugs, stores etc. to ensure transport systems for all organisations are more efficient/effective.

Benefits projected from the project

  • Approximately 10% savings on equipment budgets
  • Approximately 30% clinical time released from equipment issues to spend on clinical issues
  • Greater/speedier access to resources
  • Improved communication and more efficient service for user
  • Improved tracking and maintenance of equipment
  • Equitable service across Grampian
  • Data available for audits and research
  • Recycling of equipment will benefit environment and budgets
  • Reviews/reassessments easier
  • Equipment decontaminated properly at all times
  • Reduces bed blocking and avoids admission to hospital
  • Links with Joint Futures/Team Working
  • E.procurement for all organisations in Grampian
  • Website - access for user on what is available
  • One Stop Shop - Clarity for user about the service

Estimated financial projections

Total

2005/6

2006/7

2007/8

2008/9

Overall project cost

£670,000

£90,000

£170,000

£300,000

£110,000

Estimated projected benefits

£1,200,000

£60,000 on equipment budgets

10% clinical time

£180,000 on equipment budgets

15% clinical time

£360,000 on equipment budgets

20% clinical time

£600,000 on equipment budgets

30% clinical time

Is a pilot required - see guidance notes

No

Additionally: why is EG funding required

Since the Care in the Community Act and Joint Futures initiative emphasis on care has transferred from the acute health sector to the primary care setting. Demands on equipment, aids and adaptations to help care for people in their own homes has increased dramatically and will continue to do so as outlined in the 5 to 10 Year Grampian Health Plan (increase 45% activity in primary care setting and 25% activity in acute care setting). An IT system, additional accommodation and personnel are required to initiate an effective service and without additional funding this cannot be achieved. Although savings will be achieved on equipment budgets ultimately, as the project evolves additional funds or savings will be used to buy any equipment required by the increased demands.

Is this project complementary in anyway to other EG work

Complements the e.procurement system in Scotland as new equipment will be ordered centrally for Grampian on behalf of all organisations. Re-cycling of equipment will be managed better and disposal will be handled centrally to comply with new waste regulations.

Is "stage 2 development funding" requested?

Yes.

Page updated: Thursday, July 7, 2005