As per last week's news, on Wednesday, 25th June we began a soft go live of a system (called OPTICA) to support our patients who require support with recovery, packages of care etc. after discharge from one of our hospital sites. The system is running initially in parallel with our current Transfer of Care system (TOC system), tracking tasks relating to their discharge in real-time through their hospital journey.

Below is a reminder of important information about the move to OPTICA:

• OPTICA is currently running in parallel with the TOC system - so please continue to use TOC until notified. TOC continues to be our main system while we test OPTICA to make sure it meets our requirements and works with our processes before we make the switch. So, please continue to use TOC whilst that parallel work is ongoing.
• Over the coming weeks we will test that we can send referral tasks, and record and manage referrals in collaboration with Kirklees and Calderdale partners (i.e. assessment, triage, allocation, confirmation of discharge date and time, etc.)
• Running the systems side by side means that we can also make sure that everyone who needs it, has the right training. 
• When we feel operationally ready, we will move to recording new data into OPTICA rather than TOC to prepare for the switch over.
• Once tested, and all colleagues are comfortable with the system and new processes, we will let you know a date that OPTICA will formally replace TOC

The Optica system is shared system with our health and social care partners in the community, alongside wider process transformation, help us collectively plan for timely discharge and avoidance of unnecessary delays. Ultimately helping make sure our patients are discharged back to the place they call home sooner.

There is some further information linked to the OPTICA product here OPTICA | NECS and the relationship of OPTICA to wider digital transformation in the NHS here NHS England » NHS Federated Data Platform

If you have any questions, please email Michael Folan Michael.Folan@cht.nhs.uk 

Pictured left to right: Discharge Co-Ordinator Beth Squire, Clinical Lead – Discharge Co-Ordinators Andrea Liqiourish, Director of Operations for Community Healthcare Michael Folan, Discharge Therapist Saif Hussain, Therapy Discharge Practitioner Lily Mackrill and Hospital Discharge Team Lead, Natalie Hinchcliffe.