Over the last few years, our Neurophysiology service have worked together and supported one another to transform the way they work.

A few years ago, the team relied on paper-based processes, and didn't have a positive working culture amongst colleagues.

Today, they are a close friendly team who embrace One Culture of Care, and are always there to listen, support and help one another. The whole team are passionate, hardworking and there is a good feel for how a team should work. Just one example is their regular meeting where consultants run teaching sessions for other colleagues, leading to learning, better teamwork and behaviour change. There has been a lot of work to make sure all colleagues are very clear in their roles and responsibilities around audits, competencies, reviewing of protocols and patient information. Performance and slot utilisation is also strictly monitored daily. 

They have also made a huge difference for their patients too. A dedicated neurophysiology support assistant, contacts patients to confirm attendance and discusses tests, has reduced DNA rates. The team have also refreshed their CHFT website page with patient leaflets, including versions for patients with learning disabilities, and a video walkaround tour of the department.

All the above means that they work together admirably. Performance which was 45% is now sitting at around 95% of all patients seen within 6 weeks of referral, as per the NHS diagnostic standard. The work has also created capacity in clinics which means that they are currently able to support other NHS Trusts with their backlog.

Operational Service manager, Sam Croll, who has led the service through much of this work, said: “When I came into the service a few years ago it is fair to say there were a few challenges. I’d like to thank the team for guiding me through their processes, tests, background and history, which were extremely important for me to understand. Since then, we have worked through challenges together to setup the very organised, streamlined and fantastic service we have today. I am extremely proud of each and every member of our team, and what we have achieved”      

Chief Operating Officer, Jonny Hammond, visited the department to find out more. Jonny said: “It was really helpful for me to hear about how the team have worked together and supported each other to develop the service. I got a real sense of the difference it's making to patients, as well as how it's creating a positive learning environment for team members.

“I don’t underestimate how much work this has taken, working through different opinions and perspectives to get to a collective view. What will stick with me is the point made about respecting others opinions and listening to different views.

“Everyone in the service should be proud of what they have created. Keep striving to improve, you really are one of those services that others can learn from.

“I also want to give a special mention to Sam Croll who has been instrumental in developing and driving change in the service – thank you.”