A partnership between SWASFT and a tech firm has revolutionised ambulance services.
Modernised rosters now align resources with actual demand, boosting patient care.
Introduction of Modernised Rosters
The collaboration between SWASFT and Working Time Solutions marks a pivotal advancement in the ambulance service sector. By modernising the work patterns of over 2,500 front-line employees, the partnership has set a new standard for health service efficiency.
Thanks to the innovative application of WORK Suite® software, the project successfully restructured work schedules to better reflect the demand patterns defined by the NHS England’s ‘Ambulance Response Programme’. This strategic alignment ensures a swift response to the most critical cases, markedly enhancing patient care and operational effectiveness.
Enhanced Resource Management
Utilising sophisticated software and methodologies, Working Time Solutions introduced demand-led rosters, crucial for optimal resource allocation. This approach ensures that the right people and vehicles are available at the right locations and times, thereby improving emergency response capabilities.
SWASFT has seen a notable improvement in response times, as more crews are now available to attend to emergency calls. The precise deployment of resources cuts down on time wastage, ultimately upgrading the level of care provided to patients in urgent need.
Employee Wellbeing and Efficiency
This project has significantly influenced employee satisfaction by addressing overworking and stress. By decreasing shift overruns by an average of 25 minutes, staff experience enhanced work-life balance, which is crucial in maintaining high morale and productivity.
Early-stage analysis suggests these improved working conditions could lead to significant savings in the overrun budgets, showcasing a notable reduction in unnecessary expenditures.
Employees now enjoy predictable finish times, which further contributes to their overall satisfaction. The constructive changes not only support wellbeing but also bolster the department’s economic efficiency.
Geographical and Operational Scope
SWASFT’s operational area is extensive, covering over 10,000 square miles which include a resident population of 5.3 million and an influx of 17.5 million visitors annually. This vast geographical responsibility enhances the need for an effective and well-planned roster system.
With 96 stations and over 600 vehicles, the Trust requires precise planning to ensure efficient operations. The newly implemented roster system facilitates a seamless adaptation to fluctuations in service demand across the region.
Strategic Insights from Key Personnel
Neil Le Chevalier, the director of operations at SWASFT, highlighted the project’s significance by stating that effective resourcing is central to meeting the strategic challenges faced by ambulance services. This sentiment underscores the multifaceted benefits realized from the transition to modernised working patterns.
“Working Time Solutions has been vital to our roster review’s success,” said Neil Le Chevalier. This partnership has furnished SWASFT with robust software tools and expertise necessary for ongoing roster optimisation, ensuring continuous alignment with service demands.
Employee Engagement and Co-design
Robert Crossman from Working Time Solutions emphasised the importance of employee involvement in the project. By embedding staff at the heart of the change process, the project ensured that those affected could contribute meaningfully to the outcome.
Employees were able to visualise and design demand-driven solutions, thanks to the interactive capabilities of the software. This approach not only empowered them but also resulted in roster patterns that are pragmatic and in tune with operational requirements.
Utilising employee feedback was instrumental in formulating rosters that cater to both organisational and personal goals, leading to a harmonious working environment.
Broader Impacts of Workforce Management
Since its establishment in 1994, Working Time Solutions has consistently facilitated organisational efficiency, helping enterprises save over £100 million while minimising the reliance on overtime and zero-hour contracts.
By combining specialised software with industry insight, Working Time Solutions enables organisations to craft agile shift patterns that boost productivity and enhance service levels.
Their extensive experience with emergency services, including collaborations with London’s ambulance services, reinforces their capability to drive substantial improvements in workforce management.
The collaboration between SWASFT and Working Time Solutions exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to healthcare.
By leveraging technology and employee input, the project sets a benchmark for future innovations in emergency services.