CEO Update Tuesday 2 June 2015
Our key themes – making it better for patients The pace of change is rapid in our health system, and with so many competing priorities, quality improvement initiatives and projects happening at any one time, last year we decided to focus our efforts on five key themes, plus mental health (due to the significant increased demand the service is experiencing since the quakes). There’s a considerable amount of activity happening under each of these broad headings below, and they are certainly starting to have an impact on patient care and save patients’ time. As a result of taking a hard look at current practices, identifying how we can change the way we work to make our systems and processes leaner, and even more patient-focused is essential to ensure we stay ahead of the curve and keep patients flowing through our hospitals and returning home with appropriate care and support as required. The whole health system has an impact on patient flow, and primary care plays an integral role by providing increasing levels of care in the community, and by following HealthPathways. I want to thank everyone involved in bringing these themes to life in a tangible way that really is making it better for patients. Doing the right thing makes good sense. The themes are outlined below and there is more information available on the intranet: »» Frail Older Person’s Pathway – aims to get frail older people safely back home, faster. Working across the system the programme promotes a team response that supports the older person to achieve what is important to them. The ultimate goal is a seamless pathway with no delays to ensure the best possible clinical outcome for frail older people and improve quality of life. »» Theatre Utilisation –is focused on improving the performance and productivity of operating theatres across the Canterbury DHB, reducing cancellations, improving patient flow and achieving shorter waiting times for patients before their treatment.
»» Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) –is designed to optimise surgical outcomes by improving the patient experience and ensuring all patients receive the right care at the right time. This is achieved by ensuring the patient is in the best possible condition for surgery, they have the best possible management during and after the operation and ensuring the patient experiences the best possible rehabilitation. The programme supports early recovery after discharge from hospital and looks to reduce waiting times. »» Faster Cancer Treatment – seeks to improve the patient journey for cancer patients and ensures patients have timely access to appointments and tests which detect cancer and cancer treatment. The programme will reduce barriers to treatment and over time will ensure that patients have access to the same quality of care within the same timeframes, irrespective of where they live. »» 100 Days Programme – focuses on moving towards providing an elective first specialist assessment (FSA) or surgical treatment within 100 days, from the time certainty is given for all patients needing these services. Aiming for 100 days means patients wait less, we reduce waste in the system and more confidence is generated in both primary and secondary care. »» Mental Health – we are also placing priority on mental health services due to the significant increase in demand since the quakes.
David Meates
CEO Canterbury District Health Board
In this issue
»» Spotlight on 100 Days Programme...page 2.
»» Celebrating World Smokefree Day...page 6.
»» Facilities fast facts...page 3.
»» Check out who has immunised their selfies against flu...page 9.
»» Room with a funky view...page 5.
»» One for the blokes...page 11.
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