Supporting the NHS through its reconfiguration journey

The NHS wants and needs to improve the services it provides, but must do so in the context of financial challenges, a growing population and national shortages of key staff such as paediatric specialists and midwives. Reconfiguration of services is an important solution to support the NHS in addressing these challenges. Many proposed reconfigurations across the country have now been scrutinised under the new ‘four tests’ and given the go-ahead to continue. However, time has been lost in what is a lengthy and challenging process.  

PA has worked with clients at all stages of reconfiguration - to determine optimal proposals for change, provide independent assessment of the impact of those proposals, to prepare for external challenge and to prepare to deliver change. We do not use a one-size fits all solution. Instead, we flex our team and our approach to suit our clients’ individual needs.

We have helped our clients to deliver at all stages of this challenging journey:

• Programme management of South East London's 'A Picture of Health' acute reconfiguration

• Working closely with clinicians to deliver clinical redesign in north east and south east London

• Pre-consultation planning advice and support for South West London and North West London

• Impact analysis for Healthcare for London's (HfL) stroke and major trauma reconfigurations, which was declared by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) to be a gold standard process for the NHS.

• Development of the pre-consultation business case for North East London

• Project management of the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) for North East London and developing the post-consultation updated IIA report

• Preparation, delivery and evaluation of a complex public consultation for five PCT’s in Cumbria and Lancashire to enabling quality engagement with stakeholders and the public and directly informing the final set of proposals agreed by the JCPCT.

• Supported South East London and North East London through successful post-decision reviews by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP).

• Supported revision of reconfiguration proposals for NHS Oxfordshire’s maternity and A&E services following rejection by the IRP of the initial proposal.

• Developed benefits realisation frameworks for North East London  and South East London

• Led implementation planning in South East and North East London working closely with local clinicians and senior commissioner and provider staff

• In-depth planning on workforce, finance, capacity and transport aspects and contributing to the decision making business case for North East London.

• A stock take review of North Central London's reconfiguration plans and compliance with the 'four tests', helping the client to determine their next steps

• Redesigned the stroke pathway with HfL, from initial emergency admission right through to community rehabilitation, allowing a comprehensive and joined up pathway solution.

To find out how we can support your organisation's reconfiguration, please contact us now.