Kent & Medway Pathology - Business Case for Consolidation
We were engaged to produce a business case for the modernisation and reconfiguration of pathology services in Kent & Medway. In approach, we co-produced it as far as possible with the stakeholders concerned, so that they bought in to both the process and the outcomes. Their governance Board that represented both commissioners and providers quickly approved and adopted it and commenced implementation of its recommendations.
The content of the business case relied upon realising the potential of key enablers: better processes, matched to appropriate workforce structures and competencies, supported by effective IT and logistics, and matched with financial investment with fast return on investment.
The rigour of stakeholder engagement was similarly matched by robust bottom-up analysis, using process modelling to identify the best use of facilities, staffing and equipment, and to identify the biggest gains from consolidation. This economic analysis informed an options appraisal exercise, and it also generated a fuller focus on the whole pathology pathway to include clinical reporting and interaction with users. Involving users from both primary and secondary care sectors in discussion with pathology staff led to new approaches to demand management being considered.