The new NHS Vanguard sites, set up as part of the new care models programme to deliver the Five Year Forward View, are well in place and having a positive effect on the way hospitals and NHS organisations are working together.
At BDS, we work with a large number of NHS organisations across the UK, and we have seen first-hand how the Vanguard model has started to drive collaboration and integration between neighbouring Trusts.
The Vanguard sites were chosen following a rigorous process and the engagement of key partners and patient representative groups. Each site takes a lead on the development of new care models which will act as blueprints for the NHS and how it moves forward.
Acute Care Collaboration Vanguards, in particular, are designed to spread excellence in hospital services and management.
We have seen the effect this has had on organisations that we are working with, particularly in the North West of England where we facilitate Connected Community Infrastructure services. BDS provide IT support to a cluster of NHS organisations, including acute trusts, hospitals, mental health and community organisations, enabling them to work collaboratively and share best practice.
The introduction of Vanguards and the influence of the Five Year Forward View has encouraged more Trusts and organisations to move towards this more collaborative form of working, and as more organisations get involved in the North West, we are hoping to launch similar schemes across the rest of the country.
A collaborative model between organisations saves time, money and administration and results in better health and care outcomes for patients. We have seen examples of this across the North West and look forward to seeing more positive outcomes across the rest of the UK as more NHS organisations start to work together.
For more information about our Connected Community Infrastructure services, click here.
Post by Lee Ballinger, Technical Director at BDS.