Digital innovation helping improve cancer care for patients
Cancer patients across Essex are seeing faster, more streamlined care thanks to new digital automation, meaning staff can spend more time working with consultants to help speed up admin for more complex cases.
Using digital solutions to modernise and automate key administrative processes across cancer services at the Trust has had a positive impact for patients.
This includes improved monitoring and managing of patients' progress through their cancer treatment journey, tracking diagnostic test results, future appointments and treatment records, all helping to enhance patient care.
This work has led to the Trust being shortlisted twice for national recognition at the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Digital Awards.
The organisation – which runs Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals - has been recognised in the Unlocking Productivity and Efficiency with Digital and Improving Back‑Office Efficiencies through Digital categories for its innovative work in boosting productivity and transforming admin processes through smart digital solutions.
It was achieved after automation specialists and the Cancer Access team worked together to redesign how key tasks are handled. Heading up these digital improvements has been Steve Whittle, Head of Automation and Artificial Intelligence at the Trust.
He said: “This is a very proud moment for us. We have worked tirelessly with our Cancer service to make sure our automation work genuinely supports colleagues and improves results for our patients through the care and treatments they receive.
“Innovation such as this is offering real-time benefits for staff, meaning they spend less time on admin, making more effective use of their time to focus on patient care.”
The Trust’s also in the running in the Digital Literacy, Education and Upskilling Award category for its work on The Nova Academy, which is a joint project with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. It’s an education programme, which has already benefitted almost 100 staff by helping improve digital skills.
A new member of staff is showing that the Trust continues to attract high-calibre employees, as they have also been shortlisted for an HSJ Award. Yvette Khozam, who recently joined the organisation as Chief Pharmacy Information Officer, has been nominated in the Digital Health Leader of the Year category, for her previous role at West London NHS Trust.
The HSJ Digital Awards celebrate technology that drives meaningful change in healthcare. With a record 468 entries this year, being shortlisted reflects the Trust’s strong commitment to digital progress. All of the winners will be announced in June.