01/08/2022
We established the Homecare Optimisation project in 2019 as part of its Delivering Value strategic priority. The objective of the project is to optimise domiciliary care services on a Trustwide basis ensuring a safe, effective, accessible and affordable service. The project has been unavoidably delayed due to COVID although has been successfully introduced in the Enniskillen and Irvinestown localities earlier this year.
The project is predicated on generating additional service capacity within existing resources. This is achieved by consolidating service delivery arrangements within a locality based on clustered localised care teams. All independent sector domiciliary care providers with whom the Trust contracts with have formally committed to working with the Trust on this initiative. The project also includes the Trust’s in-house homecare service.
Commenting on the project Spokesperson Martin McGeady, Head of Homecare said:
“Many families and the wider public will be familiar with the ongoing pressures with the homecare sector. This project will help to stabilise domiciliary care services and also address emerging pressures within the sector, in particular workforce planning.”
“The additional capacity generated by the project will allow the Trust to respond to existing demand pressures including hospital discharges, waiting lists, hard to reach areas and future growth in demand.”
Some of the key performance indicators from the Enniskillen and Irvinestown Optimisation include;
- 122 Unmet need cases accommodated [including hospital discharges]
- 1140 Weekly Hours of unmet need accommodated within existing resources
- 353 Weekly Hours spot activity accommodated within existing block capacity
The Optimisation project will be rolled out next in the Limavady locality with a go-live date of 5 September 2022. Similar benefits to those indicated above are expected to be achieved in Limavady.
Spokesperson continued:
“It was originally intended to implement in Limavady in November 2021, however a combination of operational challenges and the emergence of the COVID-19 Omicron surge meant that the implementation had to be deferred. The Project Team have addressed the operational issues and have ensured appropriate safeguards are in place ahead of the implementation.”
In rolling out the service changes there will be adjustments to some service user’s care arrangements. The Project Team working in partnership with Social Work colleagues will liaise closely with affected individuals and providers to ensure any disruption is appropriately addressed. It is important to note that service users will not have a reduction in services.
“The Trust’s Homecare Optimisation Project Team will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new and improved service arrangements.”