Teams across CHFT are reaping the benefits of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), also known as digital bots.

RPA is a software technology that makes it easy to build, deploy, and manage software robots that mimic human actions by interacting with digital systems and software.

Just one of the processes being supported is waiting list validation.

Planned Access and Validation Manager, Emily Dewey, said: “RPA has significantly improved the way our validation team manages the holding list. By automating key checks, the bots have successfully removed duplicate requests, flagged cases with future appointments, and identified instances where patients appear to have already been seen. To date, the bots have reviewed more than 2,500 pathways, helping us maintain cleaner data and streamline workflows. This initiative not only saves valuable time but also enhances accuracy across the board.

“Previously, updating lead clinicians was a manual, time-consuming process prone to delays. Thanks to RPA, this task is now fully automated ensuring accuracy, efficiency and improved patient flow.

“We’re excited to continue working with the RPA team to identify additional areas where automation can further boost productivity and deliver even greater benefits.”

Digital bots are also supporting Discharge Medicine Service (DMS) referrals, helping reduce readmissions to CHFT.

The DMS is provided by all community pharmacies. It ensures better communication of changes to patient medication when they leave hospital and aims to reduce incidents of avoidable harm caused by medicines. By referring patients to community pharmacy on discharge with information about medication changes made in hospital, community pharmacy can support patients to improve outcomes, prevent harm and reduce readmissions.

Senior Pharmacy Technician, Claire Curry, said: “CHFT now tops the region for Discharge Medicine Service (DMS) referrals. On average we are referring 17% of all discharged patients for a DMS referral, helping to reduce readmissions to our Trust.

"We would not have been able to achieve this without the teamwork to support us with the RPA process. I wanted to say a huge thank you to the RPA team for supporting us."

And our Communications Team have also been supported by RPA. The screensavers that pop up around CHFT sharing successes and information are now automatically processed each day.

Communications Manager, Jacqui Booth, said: “It’s great to know that our screensavers are now updated at the same time every day. Adam Kirby from the Health Informatics' Webteam has worked with the RPA team to streamline the process, giving him more time to focus on requests from colleagues. It also means that we can change our screensavers daily, rather than three times a week.”

If you’re interested in finding out more, please email rpateam@cht.nhs.uk or see the intranet page - Robotic Process Automation (RPA) - CHFT Intranet 

Pictured is Adam with Junior Automation and Innovation Developer, Helen Sutcliffe.