Our Strategy 2024-2030

We will ensure that the Trust has fit for purpose estate infrastructure that supports the delivery of high-quality care for patients, in an environment which is suitable to deliver safer care for our staff and patients.

Why

It is fundamental that we provider the safest and effective environment we can within which we treat our patients to deliver high quality care and outcomes for our local population.

How

We will embed sustainability principles and modern methods of construction to focus on addressing structural risks such as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) plank construction and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

We will work with wider partners to leverage advancements in technology to enhance the functionality, safety and operational efficiency of our estate. We will deliver through a skilled workforce supported by robust monitoring systems and evaluation approaches.

Measuring success

We will continue to embed robust monitoring processes and regular inspections to identify and mitigate risks enabled by the introduction of digital tools
We will co-design estate improvements with staff and patients to address their needs
We will use patient / staff feedback to inform our future estate developments
We will integrate net zero carbon principles into estate planning and operational delivery
We will provide training and development opportunities for Estates and Facilities staff built upon a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

Keeping the roof on Sterile Services

The Sterile Services department is vital for our surgical division, ensuring all theatre instruments and equipment are meticulously cleaned and sterilised. A routine audit revealed changes in the RAAC planks, necessitating urgent propping to maintain safety. Immediate action was required to protect staff and ensure the continuity of essential surgical services.

Recognising the critical nature of the situation, we swiftly mobilised a team of specialist structural engineers, a local steel engineer along with teams at the Trust who devised a bespoke crash deck structure to support the existing ceiling and prevent collapse.

The challenge was to implement this solution in a clean room environment, ensuring the bacteriological safety of the sterilised equipment.

The clean room was closed for two weeks over Christmas to install the supporting steelwork, followed by thorough cleaning and testing to ensure readiness for the new year. This effort minimised the delay in operations, thanks to the dedication of the local steelwork provider and a joinery company, who even enlisted family members to assist over the festive period.

The rapid response and collaborative effort significantly limited the disruption to patient care, reducing waiting times for operations. The area is now safe for staff, and surgical planning remains uninterrupted, benefiting patients immensely. This initiative highlighted the importance of collaborative risk-taking and timely involvement of the right experts.

The experience provided valuable insights and a new design and deployment plan that can be utilised nationally in RAAC settings. The owner of the steel company was honoured at our 2024 annual awards ceremony for their dedication.