Turnaround and Cost Improvements

Mount Carmel, a private hospital in Dublin, wanted to undertake a review of all of its support services and engaged In-Form Solutions to undertake the work. The review involved undertaking detailed benchmarking and reviewing performance, productivity and outcomes. As a result of this, variation was identified and the In-Form Solutions team worked with the hospital managers to identify significant savings, through improved procurement, changes in skills mix and numbers, and through reorganisation.

Not only did this review achieve real cash releasing savings, it also supported managers in becoming considerably more commercial in their approach. In-Form Solutions undertook significant engagement with managers and clinicians through a series of one to one meetings, workshops, steering groups and planning. In addition to this, the client often asked In-Form Solutions to lead contract negotiations with suppliers and clients, such as insurance companies.

Alongside this work In-Form Solutions planned, developed and implemented a standalone Patient Level Information Costing System (PLiCS), which identified the costs of procedure by consultant to help to drive efficiency and better pricing.

The activities and outputs of our work were:

• Development and implementation of a robust cost improvement programme (CIP) that produced significant savings.
• Provision of strategic marketing support and an accompanying plan.
• Support with fundraising and contracting.
• Implementation of a standalone PLiCS System.
• Ongoing advice and support.

The key outcomes of our work have been the realisation of significant cash releasing savings and the benefits achieved by the development of new and improved processes, systems and relationships. Additionally, hospital staff have benefitted from a programme of mentoring, development and support during a challenging period.