Is there a Smarter Way of Working for the NHS?

New management initiatives have gone through cycles of favour in the Public Sector, but have seldom managed to make a lasting impression. A possible reason for this may be that solutions predominantly focus on assessment and planning without really providing the tools or culture that enable change. The most significant element in any successful improvement programme is a robust management philosophy; however, success really lies in how philosophy, tools and techniques are applied as a system.

Lean Thinking is an approach that is currently gaining momentum within the National Health Service and is a philosophy aimed at improving the very DNA of an organisation through focusing on Value. It has already been demonstrated, through practical application, in several NHS Trusts; so what benefits could Lean Thinking provide to your trust?

• Patient-focused working based on a complete understanding of how value is delivered, and how to maximise value-adding activities.
• A culture of Continuous Improvement which embraces and manages change effectively.
• Valued staff who are empowered to deliver improvements in their own work areas.
• Improved delivery of services through standardised processes and elimination of waste.
• Reduced cost and increased capacity through more efficient service delivery and increased value to the patient.
• Reduced inventory and maximised utilisation of assets, through procuring and holding supplies for the minimum time required.

 

Lean Thinking in Healthcare - Doing More with Less