The Introduction of a Flexible Workforce Department
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Rachel Pyrah, Flexible Workforce Services Manager
The aim of the centralised Flexible Workforce Department was to increase the flexibility of the substantive workforce and increase the number of internal bank staff thereby reducing reliance on agency staff. This would ensure that the processes for temporary staffing recruitment are quality assured, that the outcome is ‘value for money’ and improves patient care. The Trust has seen a reduction of £9.4 million in agency spend, the nurse bank membership rose by 30% in 12 months and fill rates for bank HCAs went from being 57% to 87% on average and from 37% to 47% for registered nurses.
Key points:
- Direct Engagement Model (for medical locums and AHPs) including improved cost control
- Introduction of a Bank and Agency electronic booking system
- The Flexible Workforce Team comprises of a Locum Booking Team, a Nurse Bank Team, and an e-Rostering Team
- One department to manage temporary staffing and the increase in nurse bank.
Judges’ views:
The panel were extremely impressed by this truly collaborative and patient outcome focussed initiative. There was substantial financial savings, significant improvements in bank recruitment and fill rates, as well as strong partnership working between departments.
Contact: rachel.pyrah@bthft.nhs.uk