Consistently missed 4-hour A&E performance targets called for priority focus in this NHS Foundation Trust’s two emergency departments. An internal improvement programme delivered good initial results, but was demanding substantial extra staffing and management focus. The Trust chose us as a transformation partner, to develop and embed a sustainable continuous improvement framework.

A clinician-led, locally-owned approach harnessed the talent and passion of staff and supported them with a framework for prioritisation and action using proven methodology. Our partnership with the Trust delivered sustainable improvements in patient flow: in Q4, the Trust increased performance against the national average by 9% points – reaching top quartile performance of all English trusts. The approach also reduced 30 minute-plus ambulance handovers by 40%

The transformed culture of continuous improvement gave the Trust greater resilience to future challenges, with capability and confidence to maintain steady improvements in performance. The project also created a “huge boost” in staff engagement.

The improvement programme went far beyond original expectations, creating further value - see infographic below.