Case study 6

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Cheshire Social Services use MedisecEReferrals (Social Services) to improve patient discharge planning and cut bed blocking.

Like most other hospitals, the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Cheshire has experienced bed blocking due to administrative delays with discharge planning and Social Services teams. The Community Care Act 2003 highlighted the benefits of effective discharge planning and the Trust turned to Medisec Software to develop a 24/7 electronic communications link which automatically alerts Social Services to the status of patients.

MedisecEReferrals ensures that patients do not have to spend longer than they need to in hospital, and that when they do leave, they are discharged appropriately with all the care services they need already in place.

The new system has created a manageable process for the hospital which clearly identifies 'bed block' days. Previously, nurses at the Countess had to telephone, fax or write to Cheshire Social Services to discuss patients' needs when discharged. Now they can send patients' requirements direct, through a secure electronic communications link between the hospital's wards, Discharge Liaison office and Cheshire Social Services offices.

Patient access manager Audrey Houghton explains: "The new system means that nursing staff can refer patients to Social Services at any time of the day or night - without having to wait for office hours."

By standardising the format of the discharge forms, the new system also makes it easier for nurses to provide all the necessary information directly to the people who can act upon it. Social Services have instant access to information on any changes that occur, such as a change of ward or patient's discharge date.

Staff now receive complete, accurate, up-to-date information enabling them to prepare an appropriate package of care for the patient's return home, and ultimately helping them to maintain their independence.

The technology allows Social Services to begin planning for the discharge of patients with more complex needs at a much earlier stage. Knowing what patient needs are on the horizon also helps Social Services management to plan team workloads more efficiently.