Table 1 Summary descriptions of the eleven projects
Goal | Project | Driver | Duration | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New service introduction | 1. Introduction of memory services to primary care | Government policies | 9Â months | A project team was set up to pilot a new service model (memory clinic service in primary care) proposed from government policies. A business case was developed to get approval from a commissioning body and two days a week piloting was carried out. |
GPs’ complaints | ||||
2. Roll-out of a primary care psychology service | Cost saving | 18Â months | A multidisciplinary working group was set up to conduct a full-scale implementation of a new service after piloting. After the review of the piloting outcomes, detailed implementation plans were developed to get an approval from executive committee and a commissioning body. | |
Demand growth | ||||
3. Introduction of an intermediate mental health care team | GPs’ complaints | 2 years (piloting) 3 years (roll-out) | A working group was set up to introduce a new intermediate care team. A proposal for five days a week piloting was developed, approved by a commissioning body and conducted. Then, a roll-out planning was developed, approved and conducted. | |
Government policies | ||||
4. Development of a new mental health unit building | Population growth | 8Â years | A core project team was set up to conduct a new building development project. Benchmarking and evidence search was to capture requirements for the new building. Architects were involved to develop drawings and mock-ups based on which various evaluations (accessibility, noise, layout, supplies, etc.) were carried out. | |
Service integration | 5. Integration between social and health care teams (region A) | Government policies | 1 year (piloting) | A project lead was appointed to implement a team integration piloting project. Team social events were organised to address staff’s concern. A partnership agreement was developed to conduct six month piloting. |
6. Integration between social and mental health care teams (region B) | Government policies | 2Â years (piloting) | A project lead was appointed to lead a full scale implementation of a team integration project. Detailed service models and implementation plans were developed and approved by a steering committee. | |
Service improvement | 7. Interface improvement between health care and social care | Government policies | 6Â months | A project working group was appointed to improve service interface between social and health care. Staff workshops were arranged to develop new service concepts and agreement was made. Implementation was not approved by a commissioning body. |
8. Lean service transformation | Senior management | 12Â months | An external consultancy was appointed to conduct a lean service transformation project. Staff workshops were organised along with lean methodology training. Seven rapid improvement activities were proposed, approved by a project board and implemented. | |
Cost saving | ||||
Better efficiency | ||||
9. Review and redesign of physiotherapy services | Staff retirement | 12Â months | A project lead was appointed to develop a service improvement project. Current services were mapped and staff members were interviewed. An improvement proposal was developed and approved by senior management and implemented. | |
Cost saving | ||||
10. Interface improvement between primary and secondary mental health care | GPs’ complaints | 2 years | A working group was appointed to improve service interface between primary and secondary care. Staff workshops were organised to understand current system and develop new concept solutions. The implementation was approved by a committee. | |
Service closure | 11. Close-down of care home services | Financial loss | 6 months | A project team including a communication lead was appointed to implement service closure. Individual patient’s needs were assessed to determine care plans after closure. Public and staff consultations were arranged. The project was completed by the post closure check by a local council. |