Website of the Department of Health

Model of care

The model of care being implemented in the four existing sites will be implemented in all centres. This will cover the whole elective care process, from referral and booking to follow-up. NHS Elect will work with the TC managers in implementing this model as far as possible within their existing facilities to prepare for successful transfer into their new centre.

Specialist knowledge and expertise (NHS)

The existing work programme is supported by networks across the Elect group. This will include NHS clinicians who have pioneered new ways of providing elective care and managers from the UK and US who are heading up existing and successful NHS TCs.

Specialist knowledge and expertise (overseas teams)

NHS Elect will also provide access to international expertise in ambulatory care and, importantly, to teams of overseas doctors who can work in their centres (either to increase capacity or to help shift practice). This will include arranging a visit to the US to review the American surgi-centre model for at least one person from each TC and collaboration with an IOS provider in the development of improved pathways of care.

Accreditation

Using the above networks and the agreed model of care, NHS Elect will operate an accreditation process, assessing progress in each TC in implementing improved models of care, with all TCs in this part of the programme working towards gaining accreditation in the first year and maintaining this in future years. The aim is that all appropriate NHS TCs will work towards full accreditation under this part of the programme by 2007/2008.

Business plan development and marketing

Each TCs will need to agree a local business plan covering the operation of the centre. NHS Elect will provide support to the Trusts in developing their annual business plans, particularly in ensuring that plans include the optimum use of the new facility, embracing new models of care, and, where there is spare capacity, that the centre has a marketing programme to utilise this. Elect will work with each of its TCs in marketing spare capacity, seeking innovative partnerships to support this wherever possible.

Links with wider programme

It is essential that the programme provided by NHS Elect is seen in the context of a wider programme of reform and that the TCs within this group are pilot sites for innovation, change and policy development, working closely with the centres of training and innovation and being 'early adopters' of successful innovation.

'Expressions of interest' in joining an expanded NHS Elect were received from NHS trusts in October 2004 and a number of interesting proposals were received. All sites that submitted a suitable 'expression of interest' have been visited by the NHS Elect team over the last month and a programme covering the 4 original sites plus the following additional 9 sites is set to be launched in April 2005, giving a programme of 13 sites next year (subject to final approval from the Department of Health):

More Information

• More information can be found on the current work of NHS Elect at their website http://www.nhselect.org.uk/ (opens new window)