Western Health (WH) undertook a review of its haematology service in order to evaluate current service delivery, identify growth trends and plan for future regional need within their service capacity and framework.
A vital component of this review was the close working relationship with Western and Central Integrated Cancers Services (WCMICS) and WH. WCMICS was the project funder and assisted in the compilation and analysis of haematology data. The service review was conducted over a six month period. Evaluation was completed by an audit of the service against the British Committee for Standards for Haematology to obtain parity internationally, and feedback obtained by internal and external stakeholders.
Haematology outpatient data collected by the WH Performance Unit was combined with VAED data from the Department of Health and accessed by WCMICS. This combined data was collated and analysed by WH and WCMICS to provide a clear overview of haematology patient flow. Data was reviewed by clinicians for accuracy and validity.
This data revealed that that WH are currently managing solely 23% of catchment demand for malignant haematology clinical service with a further 5% being managed in conjunction with another health service. WH will aim to increase Haematology services in the areas that they already cover well e.g. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with the potential to increase in this area driven by increased self sufficiency and population growth.
Results from the review include increasing the consultant EFT, developing a nursing education program, developing relevant care pathways, expansion of outpatient services, pharmacy capacity and ambulatory services.
This collaborative approach to a comprehensive service review has been vital for ongoing service expansion for the future. The model is easily replicable by other health services and other departments within WH.