The redevelopment of St Thomas’ facility improved the service’s ability to respond to clinical needs in a timely manner

Non-Clinical Support Services

Winner: Essentia, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust

Effective sterile services are central to efficiency in surgery. At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust, a scoping review highlighted the need to improve the unit which housed the services.

Increased efficiency has made it possible to take on additional work, so generating increased income

A project team including Essentia representatives and trust staff put together a business case for the refurbishment of the St Thomas’ facility, and the creation of a new unit at Guy’s Hospital.

The redevelopment has made it possible to improve service efficiency. Clinical teams reported immediate improvement in the service’s ability to respond to clinical needs in a timely manner.

The new units combined with the introduction of commercial management techniques have seen turnaround time reduced from an average of 19 hours to eight hours.

Increased efficiency has made it possible to take on additional work, so generating increased income. Sterile services at the trust now hold 23 external contracts, providing an annual return of £1.3m.

Judges’ comment: Ability to take everybody through the complex change while retaining strong patient focus. Strong vision, based on quality, for future sustainability.

Highly commended: Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust

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Revealed: 2016 winners of the HSJ Value Awards