Business-process simulation aids planning of cardiology services

Two Yorkshire NHS trusts are using business-process simulation software to help reduce waiting times and improve access for cardiology outpatients across three hospital sites. Wakefield West PCT and Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust have chosen Lanner’s Witness simulation software as part of an integrated service-design programme linked to performance targets for hospitals in Pinderfields, Pontefract and Dewsbury. The aim of the programme is to improve rapid access to investigation of chest pain, with every effort made to ensure all referrals are seen within the Government target of two weeks.

“Lanner have enabled us to successfully predict the effects of strategic planning and service change into outpatient, diagnostic and specialist treatment areas”, said Samantha Williamson, Strategic Manager for Acute Services at the PCT. “They did this by building dynamic service models with the ability to simulate change before committing additional resources.”

In connection with the cardiology work, the use of Witness will be extended to improve the performance of the angiography process at Pinderfields, where there is a need to gain a greater insight into resourcing and demand requirements. The resulting models will enable greater understanding and accurate quantification of prospective changes.