We’re award winners! Read more about our latest achievement here!
We’re award winners! Read more about our latest achievement here!
In just four months, the program supported 3,799 patients, delivering fast and efficient dermatology assessments, significantly reducing demand on current capacity, and streamlining treatment pathways.
* Of this percentage, 14% no longer needed an appointment. 1,245 patients were discharged due to non-response in line with Trust policy
† vs. July 2023, meeting GIRFT ‘FurtherFaster’ 52-week wait target.
In November 2024, HBSUK partnered with NHS England (NHSE) to rapidly reduce long-wait dermatology patients (>52 weeks) at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx). UHSx is one of the largest Trusts in the country, serving more than one million patients from its seven hospitals in Sussex, satellite sites and various community services.
Dermatology is one of the specialties covered by the NHSE GIRFT ‘FurtherFaster’ programme, which was established to deliver rapid clinical transformation and reduce 52-week long- waits. The programme aims to transform patient pathways, reduce unnecessary follow-up outpatient appointments, and improve access and waiting times for patients.
All Trusts participating in the program were eligible for additional funding through the Elective Recovery Fund (ERF). Additionally, Trusts benefitted from tariffs for patients requiring a follow-up after their first appointment. Reporting processes for the program were agreed upon with NHSE.
“Virtual Lucy was easy to implement and gave us temporary additional dermatology capacity to support the reduction of long waits at UHSx. However, it is important that waiting list validation is carried out before external providers are used to address this issue.”
Get in touch to discuss how HBSUK can reduce waiting times and improve patient care.
Making Healthcare Better
