Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Case Study in the Midlands
The Details
Risk of Missing Target
In December 2022, a total of 130 patients were identified as part of the incomplete referral-to-treatment list exceeding 78 weeks that has to be achieved by March 2023, alongside 623 patients on the list exceeding 52 weeks.
Lack of capacity
During the second half of 2022, the Trust only made a small reduction in the number of 78ww from 145 to 131. Consequently, the Trust opted to seek assistance from 18 Week Support in tackling the backlog.
Collaboration
18 Week Support operational teams and our clinical lead Mr Nish Mehta met with teams from the Trust. Initially, we allocated two clinic rooms each day on Saturdays and Sundays, primarily for outpatient appointments.
Full Pathway Solution
After the initial launch, we implemented a complete pathway model, wherein patients assessed by our team and determined to require surgical intervention were subsequently scheduled for treatment by the 18 Week Support program and underwent surgery accordingly. To meet the required activity levels we ran 4 rooms over the weekend.
Clinical Excellence
On each list we maximised both clinical excellence and the number of patients who could be safely treated.
Our Results
By March 2023, the Trust achieved a significant transformation in its waiting list and activity levels. The backlog of patients waiting over 78 weeks was eradicated by March 31st. From December 2022 to March 2023, the number of patients exceeding 78 weeks decreased by 98%, from 131 to only 2.
The 18 Week Support program conducted 31 lists and treated a total of 1,239 patients. We were able to achieve this through an increase in clinic utilisation, an average of 96% compared to the Trust average of 82%.
-98%
Reduction of 78+ weeks waiting list
96%
Average clinic’s utilisation
99.9%
Patient satisfaction score
Testimonial
Director of Operations, NHS TrustWe are delighted with the results achieved through our partnership with 18 Week Support. They helped us meet our performance targets and significantly enhanced patient satisfaction and staff morale.
Meet our Clinical Leadership Team
Ass. Prof. Mr Nish Mehta
Clinical Lead for ENTMr Nish Mehta graduated with double distinction in medicine and 1st Class Honours in Physiology from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Medical School and completed his advanced surgical training in leading London hospitals, including Great Ormond Street, St Bartholomew’s, Royal National ENT and Imperial Trust hospitals. He gained a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons and undertook further international surgical training in the USA, Netherlands and India. He was then selected to train to become one of the UK’s handful of hearing implant surgeons as part of the prestigious Graham Fraser Memorial Fellowship in Sydney, Australia. He is now a Consultant Otologist and Auditory Implant surgeon at the Royal National ENT Hospital, UCLH Trust with a joint appointment as Assoc Prof at UCL’s Ear Institute.
Mr Satheesh Sriskandarajah
Audiology LeadSatheesh is an Audiological Scientist with 20 years’ experience in advanced diagnostic audiological assessments, vestibular services and management. He has worked in several NHS Audiology services and in private sectors, with an understanding of the evolution of Audiology services in the UK. He has a special interest in Single Sided Deafness and is currently working as a Senior Audiological Scientist at Guy’s and St.Thomas’ NHS Trust.
Lisa Marie Jones
Head of NursingA Registered General Nurse and Non-Medical Prescriber with over 25-years’ experience in operating in the NHS and private healthcare settings. Lisa has a proven track record in transforming performance within healthcare organisations with a wealth of experience in participating in CQC and HMPPS inspections.
Lisa is a compassionate, formidable, and influential leader focused and driven to ensure the highest quality of care is delivered to patients. Lisa is passionate in delivering a culture of continuous learning, and providing educational opportunities to all healthcare professionals, enabling colleagues to reach their highest potential.
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