Workforce data, planning and transformation

Radiography: NHS Education for Scotland  

Delegates attending the NHS Education for Scotland Radiography role development consensus event considered the activities involved in a routine chest x-ray and considered which of the activities required the unique skills from a qualified radiographer or from an advanced practitioner. Delegates also identified which activities could be carried out by other staff such as assistant radiographers, administrative staff or dark room technicians. 

Occupational Therapy - Rehabilitation 

The Occupational Therapy department considered their inpatient rehabilitation service pathway. They found that trying to provide service users with a rehabilitation focussed programme of intervention had very practical limitations by the timings of ward activities. Visiting times, medical ward rounds, meal times etc combined to leave only a few hours in the day when the OT programme was likely.  

to be effective but OT input was competing with other input – including from other AHPs. The service user was therefore likely to be bombarded with therapeutic activities and advice in a 2 hour mid-morning time slot. Introducing flexible working hours on a voluntary basis for staff now means that many OT staff work 8am-8pm or 8am-6pm 2 days a week and take a day off in lieu. This change means:  

• OTs are available at a range of different times.  
• OTs have been more effective in seeing family members visiting in the evening. 
• OTs have been able to access service user notes at more convenient times. 
• OTs have been able to provide training for ward staff at times more appropriate for shifts.  
• A 30% higher service user input in the same total number of working hours.  

Core assessments like washing and dressing practice can be done at more appropriate times and washing and undressing practice, which is just as valuable, can now be incorporated.