Blueprint for Delivering RPA into the NHS.
Unveiling the Future: The Creation of the Intelligent Automation Programme at Berkshire Healthcare.
The full Blueprint (available below) outlines the creation of our Intelligent Automation Programme, covering scope, implementation, governance, staffing, and technology.
As of January 2024, over 30 automations were delivered, releasing thousands of hours to the Trust. The program aims were to to build an in-house team focused on strategic priorities and achieving ROI with benefits like time returned to patient care.
Roles are divided into, delivery, governance and transformation. The program uses Microsoft technologies, ensuring security and integration, and complies with ISO 27001, DCB0160, and GDPR standards. Processes are identified and prioritised through thorough analysis, emphasising continuous improvement and feedback.
The Journey Begins: Planning and Initial Steps
In December 2021, Berkshire Healthcare embarked on an ambitious journey to incorporate Intelligent Automation (IA) into its operations. The aim was to create a proof-of-concept programme that could potentially transform various aspects of the healthcare system.
The initial team was formed by seconding members from different departments and offering fixed-term contracts. The first half of 2022 was dedicated to laying the groundwork: setting up governance structures, crafting operational policies, and establishing the necessary technical infrastructure.
Achievements and Current Position
By early 2024, the team had expanded, delivering over 30 successful automations across diverse areas such as patient referrals, appointment management, and equipment ordering. The programme had effectively streamlined numerous processes, contributing to a significant release of staff time back into the Trust. With 12 dedicated IA team members, including experienced professionals from the commercial automation industry, the programme has grown and thrived.
The Future of Intelligent Automation
The Intelligent Automation Programme aims to uncover automation opportunities, prioritise them strategically to align with the Trust's objectives, and deliver high-value automations that offer a robust return on investment (ROI). This goes beyond mere cost savings; it's about enhancing the value of healthcare roles, streamlining processes, and improving job satisfaction by alleviating staff from mundane tasks.
Achieving a substantial ROI is vital for the programme's success. In healthcare, this means not only cash-releasing savings but also improving job satisfaction by freeing staff from repetitive tasks. By doing so, the programme aims to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services.
The IA Programme follows a carefully structured timeline with four key annual milestones: Structure, Acceleration, Growth, and Sustainability. These milestones ensure that the programme remains on track, moving from planning to a sustainable, self-sufficient model by 2024-2025.
The initial phase focused on setting up the foundation, including operational policies, governance structures, and resource allocation. The Acceleration phase involved understanding long-term programme delivery requirements, stress-testing existing processes, and boosting adoption rates across core services.
During the Growth phase, the programme facilitated secure and swift expansion, enhancing adoption rates through targeted marketing efforts. The final phase aims for self-sustainability, with continuous advancement and integration of technology, monitoring performance metrics, and sustaining evidence-based activities for a high ROI. Berkshire Healthcare's IA Programme is built on a robust technical foundation, utilising Microsoft Azure and the Power Platform. This choice aligns with the organisation's existing infrastructure and provides a secure, scalable, and integrated solution for automation efforts. The programme also taps into the skills of employees through a citizen developer initiative, fostering innovation and collaboration.
The flexibility and reliability of Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) enable swift and efficient deployment of automations, with each VM hosting one or more robots. Ensuring compliance with ISO 27001, DCB0160, and GDPR standards is paramount. The programme follows a Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL) to maintain robust security and governance throughout the development process.
The IA Programme is backed by a strong support framework, including collaboration with external partners like Microsoft and a dedicated internal team. The staffing structure is designed to support the programme's delivery, with roles such as IA Manager, Business Analyst Manager, and Power Platform Developer playing crucial parts. Berkshire Healthcare prioritises the training and development of its staff, providing specialised automation training and encouraging participation in relevant certification programs.
A proactive approach to risk management is embedded in the programme, assessing risks at various stages and ensuring the security and resilience of automations. Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders is key to the programme's success. Regular updates, briefings, and collaborative workshops ensure transparency and alignment with the programme's progress and benefits.
Postproduction reviews and comprehensive documentation are essential components of the programme, ensuring the quality, reliability, and compliance of IA solutions.
Regular testing and exception reporting further enhance the programme's robustness. As the IA Programme continues to evolve, the focus remains on maximizing the benefits of automation, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving patient and staff experiences. The programme's success thus far is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the Berkshire Healthcare team, and the future holds even greater promise for this transformative initiative.
In conclusion, the Intelligent Automation Programme at Berkshire Healthcare represents a significant leap towards a more efficient, secure, and effective healthcare system. By embracing cutting-edge technology and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Berkshire Healthcare is setting a new standard for the future of healthcare automation.
NHS RPA Blueprint
Discover how we apply Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in the National Health Service by reading our Blueprint.
NHS RPA Governance Strategy
Our governance strategy shows how we ensure Robotic Process Automation in the National Health Service (NHS) is safe, secure, and well-managed for patients.