Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is using workforce management technology from SMART, to streamline processes that save time and money and release valuable resources back to patient care.
To date, the Trust has deployed SMART’s e-Rostering, Time & Attendance and eExpenses software to support 1,800 clinical staff including 1,500 nurse. The Trust now plans to expand the system to the rest of the organisation by July 2012.
Since implementing SMART, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Trust has generated savings of nearly £500,000 per year, said the Trust.
It added that after conducting a thorough review of the marketplace, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust selected SMART for the fully integrated aspect of the software that combines e-Rostering and Time & Attendance functionality within one package. SMART are also able to supply Software Europe’s eExpenses offering as part of the combined package.
Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Financial Controller Ian Child said nurses value the SMART system for its simplicity, openness and fairness.
"Most significantly, staff turnover is down. There are fewer payroll errors and our highly talented clinicians are free to dedicate more of their precious time to delivering the best possible care to our patients," said Child.
"So successful has the initial roll-out of SMART been that we plan to extend the system to the rest of the organisation, everyone from administrators, directors, caterers and porters by July 2012. We have an aggressive timeframe but, thanks to SMART, we are confident we have the right support, skills and technology to contribute strategically to the Trust’s overall goals and maintain our position as the healthcare provider of choice for people in South Essex and beyond," he said.
SMART Health Market director Tristan Spencer said: "Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust faces the same challenges as most NHS organisations today with the constant need to maximise efficiencies and reduce costs. SMART’s workforce management solutions enable healthcare organisations to streamline processes, boost productivity and employee morale and generate significant cost savings. Most importantly, automation means the majority of valuable time can be dedicated to delivering excellent patient care."
