With modern healthcare systems experiencing growing patient demand, there is increasing pressure to balance operational efficiency with strategic priorities. Bradley Watson, portering and post manager, estates and facilities, at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, examines the role of NHS portering teams in facilitating this, focusing on patient transfers, the interplay between operational metrics, providing invaluable insights into the department’s efficiencies, and hospital-wide patient flow imperatives. He highlights the challenges that come with these and explores whether alternative or joint metrics could provide a more unified measure of success.
The NHS faces increasing pressures in its goals of providing effective and efficient patient care due to a combination of challenges that directly impact patient flow and hospital operations. The ageing population has significantly increased demand for healthcare services. The number of over 65-year-olds have significantly increased in the last decade, resulting in more frequent hospital admissions, longer stays, and greater post-discharge support. Additionally, there has been a surge in the number of chronic conditions such as dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, placing further strain on hospital resources. Hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases alone have risen by 33 per cent between 2015 and 2020 (British Heart Foundation, 2021), the number of people living with diabetes rose by around 1 million between 2015 and 2022 (Diabetes UK, 2022), and the number of people diagnosed with dementia in the UK has grown from approximately 850,000 in 2015 to over 944,000 in 2023 (Alzheimer's Society, 2023). As a result, inpatient capacity is under constant pressure, with many hospitals operating well beyond the recommended safe threshold for bed occupancy.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine reported that emergency departments are experiencing record-breaking attendance figures, with pressures resembling those of the winter period now persisting throughout the year. This combined with the rise in ambulance handover delays and corridor care reflects a system struggling to keep up with admission demand. The challenge however does not stop there because it is not simply about getting patients into hospital, it is equally about ensuring timely discharges. With a lack of community and social care provision there is frequently a delay in transfers of care resulting in further bottlenecks within the system, leading to bed shortages and cancelled procedures.
These challenges are only further compounded with financial constraints by experienced within the NHS and persistent workforce shortages. This underscores the urgent need for organisations to embrace innovation, no matter how small, while fostering open communication to encourage fresh perspectives. By exploring, testing, and refining new ideas, we can empower hospitals to operate efficiently prioritising the well-being of our patients.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
