Connecting people and technology to deliver great care

We hope you will have seen, read or heard something about STH Connect2024, the clinically-led programme to implement a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) across our Trust in October 2024. This will replace our current EPR, Lorenzo, as well as replacing or integrating many of the other systems we currently use. The aim of this will be to improve patient safety and experience, save time and, most importantly, solve many of the frustrations colleagues encounter with our present systems.

The programme represents one of the biggest investments the Trust has made in 20 years. The EPR we are purchasing is a tried and tested product supplied by Oracle Cerner, a world leader in this field, and it is already being used successfully at a number of other NHS Trusts. Over the months ahead many colleagues across the organisation will be involved in tailoring this product to our Trust’s specific needs, so look out for opportunities to get involved and have your say. However, the technology itself is only one part of STH Connect2024. Even more important will be a standardisation of processes across the Trust – and with this we need everyone’s involvement and support. One way of achieving this will be through a ‘paper amnesty’ during which we will ask all colleagues to flag any paper forms currently in use that are not properly authorised. Only by knowing what paper forms are being used now will we be able to make sure that their purpose is fulfilled in the specifications for

Remote technologies help occupational therapists get patients home faster

Research carried out by our occupational therapy team and the University of Sheffield has shown benefits of occupational therapists using remote consultation technology to assess a patient's home environment without needing to be present at the property.

The remote technological solution, which was designed and tested pre-pandemic, enabled home assessments to be carried out more quickly, faster discharge, decreased staff travel time and it helped family members and carers, who do not always live near the relatives or loved ones, participate in assessments. Home visit assessments are undertaken by occupational therapists to ensure that patients are able to live as independent a life as possible through adaptations to their home environment, such as fitting handrails.

“Our findings provide a vital picture of how virtual home assessments are used, what public perceptions are and what barriers to implementation can be. We hope this insight will support future studies and enable clinicians to consider the advantages and challenges of using the technology in this way.” the new EPR. Look out for more details over the coming weeks.

You may be wondering what this change will mean for your own role. Rest assured that we will be communicating about the programme in a number of ways that are focused on our different staff groups, and there is already a wealth of information on the intranet, but we will also be listening to your feedback, questions and ideas. STH Connect2024 is a journey we are all on together and, if we get it right, it can transform the way we provide care for the better.

Celebrating our Change Makers

We have produced a magazine highlighting some of the fantastic examples of improvement work led by you and your colleagues - our ‘Change Makers.’

It showcases brilliant ideas and innovations from colleagues at all levels and in different departments across the organisation. It really is inspiring and maybe will encourage you to pursue ideas in your own areas of work. Read it at Making a Difference strategy (sth.nhs.uk).