15th December – 19th December 2014
As I mentioned in my blog last week, I have been gaining an understanding of the recruitment process in the NHS. This week, I have had the opportunity to gain some great HR (Human Resources) experience when I was on interview panel for one of the Governance vacancies at the CCG. It was a really interesting experience to understand the types of questions that are asked and the scoring process for each candidate. I gained more of an idea about what I should do (and should not do!) when attending interviews in the future. It was a relatively long process when determining who the successful candidate would be and there was much deliberation between the interview panel when making the final decision, but we feel we have apointed the most suitable candidate for the job!
I have also been producing a business case to commission services that support women who have a mental illness during pregnancy and in the year after delivery (known as the postpartum year). At the CCG, we follow a specific online template to write a business case. Having studied Business from GCSE level and currently at undergraduate level, I have had quite a few years of experience writing business cases/plans, but I feel this template I have been using whilst on placement has been really helpful in ensuring that I've considered every aspect of the project before it is implemented.
As well as conducting interviews and producing business cases, I have been doing my regular finance activities; coding invoices and matching them for payment, in addition to amending local provider contracts, which will become one of my main duties in the New Year.
I will be having a little break over the festive season, so may I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
19 December 2014
12 December 2014
Christmas at the CCG!
8th December - 12th December 2014
This week I have been learning about the recruitment process in the NHS. The vacancy for the new placement student to fill my role next year is now being advertised on the NHS jobs website and is on several University placement websites. A number of my tasks over the past week have been liaising with the placement teams at the selected Universities and the HR department (which is based outside of the CCG) to finalise the job description and person specification.
At the CCG, we are in the process of recruiting staff to fill a couple of roles and I have been given the opportunity to be on the panel when interviews take place next week. I have been going through several applications to shortlist candidates for interview, which has been really interesting to see what determines a suitable candidate. This experience has taught me to make sure that my CV and cover letter stand out when applying for jobs in the future, I now have a much better understanding of what makes a good job application!
I have been amending the contracts of local providers by adding national and local requirements and attaching documents needed for each healthcare provider. In addition, to also meeting with the psychiatric liasion team at the hospital to discuss how to commission and implement services for mothers in the local area who experience mental health problems.
It is officially the run up to Christmas and on Tuesday we had an early Christmas celebration! It was the final of the Great CCG Bake Off! Where contestants were asked to bake a Christmas showstopper incorporating the theme of the countdown to Christmas! I baked a chocolate yule log with twelve mini cakes, decorated with seasonal holly! We also enjoyed a Christmas buffet and exchanged our Secret Santa gifts!
This week I have been learning about the recruitment process in the NHS. The vacancy for the new placement student to fill my role next year is now being advertised on the NHS jobs website and is on several University placement websites. A number of my tasks over the past week have been liaising with the placement teams at the selected Universities and the HR department (which is based outside of the CCG) to finalise the job description and person specification.
At the CCG, we are in the process of recruiting staff to fill a couple of roles and I have been given the opportunity to be on the panel when interviews take place next week. I have been going through several applications to shortlist candidates for interview, which has been really interesting to see what determines a suitable candidate. This experience has taught me to make sure that my CV and cover letter stand out when applying for jobs in the future, I now have a much better understanding of what makes a good job application!
I have been amending the contracts of local providers by adding national and local requirements and attaching documents needed for each healthcare provider. In addition, to also meeting with the psychiatric liasion team at the hospital to discuss how to commission and implement services for mothers in the local area who experience mental health problems.
It is officially the run up to Christmas and on Tuesday we had an early Christmas celebration! It was the final of the Great CCG Bake Off! Where contestants were asked to bake a Christmas showstopper incorporating the theme of the countdown to Christmas! I baked a chocolate yule log with twelve mini cakes, decorated with seasonal holly! We also enjoyed a Christmas buffet and exchanged our Secret Santa gifts!
5 December 2014
NHS Contracting...
1st December – 5th December 2014
This week, I started working with the Contracts team at the CCG and was given the responsibility of creating a new NHS contract for a local provider of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) treatment; along with the help from Karen (Who is sadly leaving the CCG!) we filled in the appropriate areas and information to produce the contract. Following on from this, we then held a meeting with the provider to talk them through the contract in more detail, discussing terms and conditions and to determine what information we needed in order for the contract to be issued and signed.
I have also been in the process of finalising the job description and person specification for the new student placement for 2015/16, who will fill my role when I leave in August. I will be responsible for the recruitment for this position and will be shortlisting suitable candidates, as well as holding interviews for the role within the New Year. I am particularly looking forward to being involved in this process as it will enable me to gain an insight into the recruitment process within the NHS and to also understand what type of attributes and traits recruiting managers look for. I am looking forward to being sat on the other side of the interview panel this time!
I have now been on placement for just over three months now (which has flown!) and a large proportion of my role over the past few weeks has been working with the finance team; particularly focusing on coding new invoices which are uploaded onto the online system each day and matching the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) invoices for payment. Due to the ageing population in Eastern Cheshire, there are a large number of residents living in Care Homes, who require complex care needs and treatment. It is essential to keep on top of these invoices and ensure that they are paid on time. In the New Year, I will be focusing on assisting the Contracts team with renewing and producing contracts for 2015/16 and will be reducing my time working with Finance. I have been surprised that I have enjoyed the finance work that I've been getting involved in, having previously not enjoyed studying finance units at University!
Bake Off Week 4... As mentioned in previous weeks, we are currently competing in our own charity Bake Off at the CCG! Over the past four weeks, we have been given a different baking task, which incorporates a specific theme, which at times has been stressful! This week, we had the challenge of baking bread; I produced granary rolls which were extremely boring compared with the other contestants’ breakfast buns and German sweet treats!
Next week is the final of the Great CCG Bake Off... where we will be producing sweet and savory Christmas-themed bakes for the staff briefing and we will also be exchanging our Secret Santa presents!
This week, I started working with the Contracts team at the CCG and was given the responsibility of creating a new NHS contract for a local provider of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) treatment; along with the help from Karen (Who is sadly leaving the CCG!) we filled in the appropriate areas and information to produce the contract. Following on from this, we then held a meeting with the provider to talk them through the contract in more detail, discussing terms and conditions and to determine what information we needed in order for the contract to be issued and signed.
I have also been in the process of finalising the job description and person specification for the new student placement for 2015/16, who will fill my role when I leave in August. I will be responsible for the recruitment for this position and will be shortlisting suitable candidates, as well as holding interviews for the role within the New Year. I am particularly looking forward to being involved in this process as it will enable me to gain an insight into the recruitment process within the NHS and to also understand what type of attributes and traits recruiting managers look for. I am looking forward to being sat on the other side of the interview panel this time!
I have now been on placement for just over three months now (which has flown!) and a large proportion of my role over the past few weeks has been working with the finance team; particularly focusing on coding new invoices which are uploaded onto the online system each day and matching the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) invoices for payment. Due to the ageing population in Eastern Cheshire, there are a large number of residents living in Care Homes, who require complex care needs and treatment. It is essential to keep on top of these invoices and ensure that they are paid on time. In the New Year, I will be focusing on assisting the Contracts team with renewing and producing contracts for 2015/16 and will be reducing my time working with Finance. I have been surprised that I have enjoyed the finance work that I've been getting involved in, having previously not enjoyed studying finance units at University!
Bake Off Week 4... As mentioned in previous weeks, we are currently competing in our own charity Bake Off at the CCG! Over the past four weeks, we have been given a different baking task, which incorporates a specific theme, which at times has been stressful! This week, we had the challenge of baking bread; I produced granary rolls which were extremely boring compared with the other contestants’ breakfast buns and German sweet treats!
Next week is the final of the Great CCG Bake Off... where we will be producing sweet and savory Christmas-themed bakes for the staff briefing and we will also be exchanging our Secret Santa presents!
28 November 2014
Joining the Contracts team!
24th November - 28th November 2014
Next week, I will be starting to work with the contracts team at the CCG. The team is responsible for amending each healthcare provider's contract with changes to certain sections; for example, the payment section which needs to be updated annually due to changes to regional payment tariffs. All contracts are drafted on an online NHS contracts portal where they are then finalised, issued and sent to be signed by the appropriate healthcare provider. I'm looking forward to getting involved in this area of work and gaining more of an insight into the different contracts which we hold.
This week, I have been writing the business case for commissioning Perinatal Mental Health Services for women in Eastern Cheshire, experiencing mental health problems during the antenatal and postpartum period of their pregnancy. I have been researching what services currently exist for women in our neighbouring areas. There are a number of services and clinics within the Wirral and West Cheshire area, indicating that there is a significant need to commission services that are similar, in addition to also ensuring that there is an integrated care pathway in place for referrals to the services we commission. The business case will justify the rationale behind the project and will list the benefits of the project.
I have also been continuing to work on a number of different projects, including; comparing and contrasting the 2014/15 CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) implemented by our neighbouring CCG's for our leading mental health provider (CWP), amending the business case for the risk stratification tool which we are looking to procure next year as part of our transformation programme ‘Caring Together'. I have also been analysing results from surveys conducted at each GP practice in Eastern Cheshire to identify trends, improvements and declines.
Bake off update...! This week we were given the challenge of making pastry! The last time I attempted to make a pastry-based product was about seven years ago in a food technology class. We were given the task of making jam tarts; of which mine ended up being raw in the middle, so this week’s bake off was a real challenge! I decided to bake mini apple and blackberry pies. There were a number of different pastry treats on offer; including profiteroles, tarts and pies…. there were no soggy bottoms in sight!
Next week, we have been given the challenge of baking bread!
Next week, I will be starting to work with the contracts team at the CCG. The team is responsible for amending each healthcare provider's contract with changes to certain sections; for example, the payment section which needs to be updated annually due to changes to regional payment tariffs. All contracts are drafted on an online NHS contracts portal where they are then finalised, issued and sent to be signed by the appropriate healthcare provider. I'm looking forward to getting involved in this area of work and gaining more of an insight into the different contracts which we hold.
This week, I have been writing the business case for commissioning Perinatal Mental Health Services for women in Eastern Cheshire, experiencing mental health problems during the antenatal and postpartum period of their pregnancy. I have been researching what services currently exist for women in our neighbouring areas. There are a number of services and clinics within the Wirral and West Cheshire area, indicating that there is a significant need to commission services that are similar, in addition to also ensuring that there is an integrated care pathway in place for referrals to the services we commission. The business case will justify the rationale behind the project and will list the benefits of the project.
I have also been continuing to work on a number of different projects, including; comparing and contrasting the 2014/15 CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) implemented by our neighbouring CCG's for our leading mental health provider (CWP), amending the business case for the risk stratification tool which we are looking to procure next year as part of our transformation programme ‘Caring Together'. I have also been analysing results from surveys conducted at each GP practice in Eastern Cheshire to identify trends, improvements and declines.
Bake off update...! This week we were given the challenge of making pastry! The last time I attempted to make a pastry-based product was about seven years ago in a food technology class. We were given the task of making jam tarts; of which mine ended up being raw in the middle, so this week’s bake off was a real challenge! I decided to bake mini apple and blackberry pies. There were a number of different pastry treats on offer; including profiteroles, tarts and pies…. there were no soggy bottoms in sight!
Next week, we have been given the challenge of baking bread!
24 November 2014
HealthVoice - Listening to the Public's Views;
17th November - 21st November 2014
This week I have been working on a number of projects, including; gathering research for the quality and performance section on the CCG’s website, continuing with producing a business case for procuring a new risk stratification tool as part of the ‘Caring Together’ programme and also continuing to work with Finance by coding invoices and matching continuing healthcare (CHC) packages for payment.
As mentioned in previous weeks, we are looking to procure a new risk stratification tool, in order to identify the top 2% of high risk patients within the East Cheshire area. The risk stratification tool will enable GP’s to identify patients who have complex long-term conditions, who require care and support. The tool is fundamental to our transformation ‘Caring Together’ programme at the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, which aims to encourage individuals to take a more proactive approach to manage their condition at an early stage, to ultimately prevent admission to hospital and A&E visits.
Towards the end of the week, I had the opportunity to attend the HealthVoice meeting, which allows members of the public to voice their opinions and to put forward suggestions for the local healthcare services which we commission. The meeting is a chance for the CCG to understand the public’s views and feelings and to consider which elements need improving; it also gives members of the public the opportunity to become involved in commissioning decisions. This ensures that the CCG is constantly engaging with its patients and taking on board the views of those who use the healthcare services.
The Great CCG Bake Off continues! This week participants were asked to bake biscuits with a Disney theme! There were some incredible biscuits… we have a number of very talented bakers at the CCG! Next week we move on to baking pastry based products!
This week I have been working on a number of projects, including; gathering research for the quality and performance section on the CCG’s website, continuing with producing a business case for procuring a new risk stratification tool as part of the ‘Caring Together’ programme and also continuing to work with Finance by coding invoices and matching continuing healthcare (CHC) packages for payment.
As mentioned in previous weeks, we are looking to procure a new risk stratification tool, in order to identify the top 2% of high risk patients within the East Cheshire area. The risk stratification tool will enable GP’s to identify patients who have complex long-term conditions, who require care and support. The tool is fundamental to our transformation ‘Caring Together’ programme at the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, which aims to encourage individuals to take a more proactive approach to manage their condition at an early stage, to ultimately prevent admission to hospital and A&E visits.
Towards the end of the week, I had the opportunity to attend the HealthVoice meeting, which allows members of the public to voice their opinions and to put forward suggestions for the local healthcare services which we commission. The meeting is a chance for the CCG to understand the public’s views and feelings and to consider which elements need improving; it also gives members of the public the opportunity to become involved in commissioning decisions. This ensures that the CCG is constantly engaging with its patients and taking on board the views of those who use the healthcare services.
The Great CCG Bake Off continues! This week participants were asked to bake biscuits with a Disney theme! There were some incredible biscuits… we have a number of very talented bakers at the CCG! Next week we move on to baking pastry based products!
14 November 2014
The Great CCG Bake Off!
10th – 14th November 2014
Due to the popularity of the BBC show ‘The Great British Bake Off’, the CCG has decided to hold its own bake off, to celebrate colleagues’ baking talents and to raise money in the process. There are 12 participants in the weekly challenge which sees baking abilities tested across range of areas from cakes to biscuits to pies. On Tuesday, before the monthly staff briefing, the first challenge took place! Bakers were asked to create a sponge cake of their choice by using a maximum of four eggs, including a filling in the cake and incorporating fruit or veg in the finished product. Being a fan of the show, I couldn't resist getting involved!
For the first challenge I decided to bake a Jamie Oliver chocolate celebration cake, which was filled with strawberries, raspberries and whipped cream and decorated with melted chocolate, fruit and Malteasers. The cakes were anonymously judged by three volunteers at the CCG; Karen, Sally and Niall, who announced the winners during the staff briefing. Somehow I managed to bag second place in this week’s bake off! I was extremely surprised to come second as there were some incredible cakes!
Next week we tackle the difficult challenge of creating biscuits with a Disney theme!
As a way of improving quality and performance, we held a ‘Brown Paper Event', which is a technique used to map out a process and looking at ways of improving individual elements, by identifying concerns. The ‘Brown Paper Event’, was held to identify problems with the hospital’s ‘Delayed Transfers of Care’ (DTOC) process. We mapped the process from the initial admission to hospital to the end transfer back to the patient's home, intermediate care or a nursing home. We arranged for a number of nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and continuing healthcare (CHC) staff, to take part in the workshop to understand each individual's role in the process. By the end of the event, we identified the main areas of concerns and improvements to be made to make the process flow more smoothly. Before this event, I was not aware of how long and complicated the transfer of care process was and the number of staff that are involved.
Due to the popularity of the BBC show ‘The Great British Bake Off’, the CCG has decided to hold its own bake off, to celebrate colleagues’ baking talents and to raise money in the process. There are 12 participants in the weekly challenge which sees baking abilities tested across range of areas from cakes to biscuits to pies. On Tuesday, before the monthly staff briefing, the first challenge took place! Bakers were asked to create a sponge cake of their choice by using a maximum of four eggs, including a filling in the cake and incorporating fruit or veg in the finished product. Being a fan of the show, I couldn't resist getting involved!
For the first challenge I decided to bake a Jamie Oliver chocolate celebration cake, which was filled with strawberries, raspberries and whipped cream and decorated with melted chocolate, fruit and Malteasers. The cakes were anonymously judged by three volunteers at the CCG; Karen, Sally and Niall, who announced the winners during the staff briefing. Somehow I managed to bag second place in this week’s bake off! I was extremely surprised to come second as there were some incredible cakes!
Next week we tackle the difficult challenge of creating biscuits with a Disney theme!
As a way of improving quality and performance, we held a ‘Brown Paper Event', which is a technique used to map out a process and looking at ways of improving individual elements, by identifying concerns. The ‘Brown Paper Event’, was held to identify problems with the hospital’s ‘Delayed Transfers of Care’ (DTOC) process. We mapped the process from the initial admission to hospital to the end transfer back to the patient's home, intermediate care or a nursing home. We arranged for a number of nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and continuing healthcare (CHC) staff, to take part in the workshop to understand each individual's role in the process. By the end of the event, we identified the main areas of concerns and improvements to be made to make the process flow more smoothly. Before this event, I was not aware of how long and complicated the transfer of care process was and the number of staff that are involved.
10 November 2014
The First Perinatal Mental Health Networks Meeting:
3rd November - 7th November 2014
As mentioned earlier in my blog, a project which I will be involved in over the next few weeks consists of commissioning Perinatal Mental Health Services within the Cheshire East area. On Tuesday, I attended a meeting along with several psychiatrists, midwives and consultant liaisons within the Cheshire area, with the psychiatry lead from the NHS (CWP) Cheshire and Wirral Partnership, who are responsible for providing mental health services to our population. The meeting was arranged to discuss current pathways of referral for women with mental health conditions whilst pregnant and up to a year after birth. We discussed advantages and disadvantages of the pathways that had been created by CWP, actions to take in the upcoming months and the types of services that need to be commissioned. I came away from the meeting with a much better understanding of mental health conditions during and after pregnancy and also with a number of contacts of professionals who are happy to help with this project.
This week, I have been reviewing the CQUIN (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) evidence that has been provided by CWP for quarter two for the Proactive Care and the Health Equality Framework goals. At the CCG, each year we set a number of targets which each service provider must achieve, in order to receive a payment. Each healthcare service must provide evidence to reflect how the milestone has been achieved in each quarter. At the monthly ‘Clinical Quality and Performance Meeting' at the CCG, we then discuss the CQUIN achievements for each provider and monitor the performance with a 'RAG' (Red, Amber, Green) rating to demonstrate achievement.
On Friday, I attended an event at Cranage Hall in Holmes Chapel which was based on intergating health and social care through 'Short-Term Assessment Intervention Recovery and Rehabilitation Service'; also known as 'STAIRSS'. A number of colleagues attended the workshop including representatives from South Cheshire and Vale Royal CCG, the council, NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) and members of the public, where we discussed ways of integrating health and social care across Cheshire to reduce the gaps in the care pathways. The workshop involved understanding areas which delay transfers of care for a patient and understanding the need for patients to receive rapid assessment, rehabilitation and re-ablement in the comfort of their own home.
As mentioned earlier in my blog, a project which I will be involved in over the next few weeks consists of commissioning Perinatal Mental Health Services within the Cheshire East area. On Tuesday, I attended a meeting along with several psychiatrists, midwives and consultant liaisons within the Cheshire area, with the psychiatry lead from the NHS (CWP) Cheshire and Wirral Partnership, who are responsible for providing mental health services to our population. The meeting was arranged to discuss current pathways of referral for women with mental health conditions whilst pregnant and up to a year after birth. We discussed advantages and disadvantages of the pathways that had been created by CWP, actions to take in the upcoming months and the types of services that need to be commissioned. I came away from the meeting with a much better understanding of mental health conditions during and after pregnancy and also with a number of contacts of professionals who are happy to help with this project.
This week, I have been reviewing the CQUIN (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) evidence that has been provided by CWP for quarter two for the Proactive Care and the Health Equality Framework goals. At the CCG, each year we set a number of targets which each service provider must achieve, in order to receive a payment. Each healthcare service must provide evidence to reflect how the milestone has been achieved in each quarter. At the monthly ‘Clinical Quality and Performance Meeting' at the CCG, we then discuss the CQUIN achievements for each provider and monitor the performance with a 'RAG' (Red, Amber, Green) rating to demonstrate achievement.
On Friday, I attended an event at Cranage Hall in Holmes Chapel which was based on intergating health and social care through 'Short-Term Assessment Intervention Recovery and Rehabilitation Service'; also known as 'STAIRSS'. A number of colleagues attended the workshop including representatives from South Cheshire and Vale Royal CCG, the council, NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) and members of the public, where we discussed ways of integrating health and social care across Cheshire to reduce the gaps in the care pathways. The workshop involved understanding areas which delay transfers of care for a patient and understanding the need for patients to receive rapid assessment, rehabilitation and re-ablement in the comfort of their own home.
30 October 2014
Working Towards Month-End with the Finance Team...
27th October - 31st October 2014
As it is half-term in Cheshire, the office has been relatively quiet with a number of staff being on leave! This week has involved continuing to work with the finance team as we are coming up to month end. With the help from Kim, one of the finance assistants, who has been really helpful in guiding me through the process of invoicing, I have been coding invoices and investigating invoice queries. I didn’t realise the amount of time that is needed to investigate queries to determine whether a payment is outstanding or not. Working with the finance team over the past few weeks has enabled me to learn about the invoicing process in the NHS. Within the Cheshire East area, we currently have the largest ageing population in the North West, resulting in there being a huge amount of pressure on providing care to elderly individuals and I was rather surprised to see the amount of money that is allocated to care for patients in nursing homes.
A project which I am looking forward to being involved in during my placement is surrounding the commissioning of mental health services for women who require support during pregnancy and up to a year after the birth; these services are referred to as 'Perinatal Mental Health Services'. A report was published in the past month which explained the importance of commissioning these services, due to the increase in mental health conditions whilst pregnant and the period of time after the birth. It has been estimated that around 20% of women experience mental health problems during the maternal stage of their lives and conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis are on the rise. It was reported that only 3% of CCGs currently have strategies in place to commission these types of services, therefore here at the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group we are aiming to determine the local need for perinatal services, in order to improve the health and wellbeing of women and their babies within the local area.
As I have mentioned in my previous blog posts; during the past few weeks I have been completing my training towards gaining certificates in healthcare finance, commissioning and business services. I have now passed all five modules from the HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association) and have officially achieved the certificates!
As it is half-term in Cheshire, the office has been relatively quiet with a number of staff being on leave! This week has involved continuing to work with the finance team as we are coming up to month end. With the help from Kim, one of the finance assistants, who has been really helpful in guiding me through the process of invoicing, I have been coding invoices and investigating invoice queries. I didn’t realise the amount of time that is needed to investigate queries to determine whether a payment is outstanding or not. Working with the finance team over the past few weeks has enabled me to learn about the invoicing process in the NHS. Within the Cheshire East area, we currently have the largest ageing population in the North West, resulting in there being a huge amount of pressure on providing care to elderly individuals and I was rather surprised to see the amount of money that is allocated to care for patients in nursing homes.
A project which I am looking forward to being involved in during my placement is surrounding the commissioning of mental health services for women who require support during pregnancy and up to a year after the birth; these services are referred to as 'Perinatal Mental Health Services'. A report was published in the past month which explained the importance of commissioning these services, due to the increase in mental health conditions whilst pregnant and the period of time after the birth. It has been estimated that around 20% of women experience mental health problems during the maternal stage of their lives and conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis are on the rise. It was reported that only 3% of CCGs currently have strategies in place to commission these types of services, therefore here at the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group we are aiming to determine the local need for perinatal services, in order to improve the health and wellbeing of women and their babies within the local area.
As I have mentioned in my previous blog posts; during the past few weeks I have been completing my training towards gaining certificates in healthcare finance, commissioning and business services. I have now passed all five modules from the HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association) and have officially achieved the certificates!
24 October 2014
Proactive Care Celebration Event!
20th October - 24th October
On Thursday, I attended the ‘Proactive Care CQUIN Evaluation Event’, which was held to celebrate the peer groups' achievements towards the CQUINs from quarters one and two of the financial year. CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) are incentives that aim to improve quality outcomes for patients. Commissioners create a set of targets for local service providers to achieve, in order to receieve a payment in return. The GP practices in the local area, were required to produce a presentation to demonstrate their efforts towards implementing the Caring Together programme as part of the CQUIN initiative. Many of the peer groups presented case studies of patients (who's details were kept confidential) who have had positive experiences of care and how working with health and social care professionals has had a positive impact on improving the care of elderly individuals.
I will be working with the Caring Together team over the next few months to evaluate the option of procuring a risk stratification tool that will identify the top 20% of high risk patients within each GP practice in the East Cheshire area. Currently, we have a pilot risk stratification tool which has been running throughout the year, however this is up for renewal and members of the CCG have decided that a new risk stratification tool is needed. Myself and the team are aiming to find a new tool that allows us to integrate social care factors into the search for high risk patients. We will be producing a Business Case to procure a new tool which will be implemented next year. This will enable the GPs to ensure that patients who have high risk long-term conditions are on their radar and will also allow them to create tailored care plans in order to integrate and improve the quality of the care in East Cheshire.
I have also been working towards achieving my certificates from the HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association). I have chosen five modules to complete over the 12 months that I am on placement. The modules involve taking assessments about NHS finance and the structure of the NHS in England. To date, I have completed and passed the following modules; ‘NHS Business Cases’, ‘NHS Commissioning’ and ‘Introduction to NHS Finance'! Undertaking the assessments has been a really helpful way of learning about how the NHS operates and I now have a better understanding of how the finance from NHS England to Clinical Commissioning Groups works.
On Thursday, I attended the ‘Proactive Care CQUIN Evaluation Event’, which was held to celebrate the peer groups' achievements towards the CQUINs from quarters one and two of the financial year. CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) are incentives that aim to improve quality outcomes for patients. Commissioners create a set of targets for local service providers to achieve, in order to receieve a payment in return. The GP practices in the local area, were required to produce a presentation to demonstrate their efforts towards implementing the Caring Together programme as part of the CQUIN initiative. Many of the peer groups presented case studies of patients (who's details were kept confidential) who have had positive experiences of care and how working with health and social care professionals has had a positive impact on improving the care of elderly individuals.
I will be working with the Caring Together team over the next few months to evaluate the option of procuring a risk stratification tool that will identify the top 20% of high risk patients within each GP practice in the East Cheshire area. Currently, we have a pilot risk stratification tool which has been running throughout the year, however this is up for renewal and members of the CCG have decided that a new risk stratification tool is needed. Myself and the team are aiming to find a new tool that allows us to integrate social care factors into the search for high risk patients. We will be producing a Business Case to procure a new tool which will be implemented next year. This will enable the GPs to ensure that patients who have high risk long-term conditions are on their radar and will also allow them to create tailored care plans in order to integrate and improve the quality of the care in East Cheshire.
I have also been working towards achieving my certificates from the HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association). I have chosen five modules to complete over the 12 months that I am on placement. The modules involve taking assessments about NHS finance and the structure of the NHS in England. To date, I have completed and passed the following modules; ‘NHS Business Cases’, ‘NHS Commissioning’ and ‘Introduction to NHS Finance'! Undertaking the assessments has been a really helpful way of learning about how the NHS operates and I now have a better understanding of how the finance from NHS England to Clinical Commissioning Groups works.
17 October 2014
My Fifteen Minutes of Fame!
13th October - 17th October
As mentioned in my previous blog posts, I am working three days a week with the finance team at the CCG. This week I have continued to code new invoices that appear on the system each day. I have also been matching the coded invoices to patients' care packages for individuals who have long-term conditions and therefore require continuing healthcare (CHC), using a piece of software known as 'Broadcare', to ensure the invoices are paid. It has been a very worthwhile experience to understand the process from the initial receiving of an invoice from a supplier to then coding the new invoices that appear on the Oracle system and finally ensuring that the providers are paid on time.
In addition to working with the finance team, I have attended a number of meetings this week, for example; I attended a meeting about the quality of the healthcare services in the local area, met with the district nurse and attended the 'Proactive Care Steering Group' meeting; which aims to encourage patients to take a proactive approach to manage their long-term condition. I will be working with the Proactive Care – Caring Together team here at the CCG, to procure a risk stratification tool which will identify high risk patients who require continuing healthcare. This week I have been gaining more of an understanding of the type of work which I will be required to do.
On Thursday, I attended the ‘Local Safeguarding Adults Board’ (LSAB) sub group to present my idea of a new mobile phone application based on the safeguarding of adults to be used by health and social care staff.
This week I have enjoyed my fifteen minutes of fame by appearing in the ‘Congleton Chronicle'! which is one of the local newspapers within the Cheshire East area. The published article talks about the placement opportunity that I've been given and lists a number of the projects which I have been involved in over the past few weeks!
As mentioned in my previous blog posts, I am working three days a week with the finance team at the CCG. This week I have continued to code new invoices that appear on the system each day. I have also been matching the coded invoices to patients' care packages for individuals who have long-term conditions and therefore require continuing healthcare (CHC), using a piece of software known as 'Broadcare', to ensure the invoices are paid. It has been a very worthwhile experience to understand the process from the initial receiving of an invoice from a supplier to then coding the new invoices that appear on the Oracle system and finally ensuring that the providers are paid on time.
In addition to working with the finance team, I have attended a number of meetings this week, for example; I attended a meeting about the quality of the healthcare services in the local area, met with the district nurse and attended the 'Proactive Care Steering Group' meeting; which aims to encourage patients to take a proactive approach to manage their long-term condition. I will be working with the Proactive Care – Caring Together team here at the CCG, to procure a risk stratification tool which will identify high risk patients who require continuing healthcare. This week I have been gaining more of an understanding of the type of work which I will be required to do.
On Thursday, I attended the ‘Local Safeguarding Adults Board’ (LSAB) sub group to present my idea of a new mobile phone application based on the safeguarding of adults to be used by health and social care staff.
This week I have enjoyed my fifteen minutes of fame by appearing in the ‘Congleton Chronicle'! which is one of the local newspapers within the Cheshire East area. The published article talks about the placement opportunity that I've been given and lists a number of the projects which I have been involved in over the past few weeks!
9 October 2014
Appearing in 'So Cheshire' Magazine!
6th October - 10th October 2014
This week I have been lucky enough to appear inside Cheshire’s online lifestyle magazine; ‘So Cheshire’, who have published an article explaining the exciting opportunity that I have been given to work within the CCG as an undergraduate!
You can read the article by clicking here!
I will also be appearing in the Macclesfield Express in the next week or two so don't forget to look out for the article!
This week at the CCG I've had a wide variety of tasks and projects to complete, some of which are listed below to describe how each day is different...
Members of staff working for the NHS are required to complete a ‘Personal Development Review’ (PDR) every year, as part of their progress within the healthcare sector. Over the past week, I have started to note my personal objectives which I hope to achieve over the next twelve months. I have completed a similar style of assessment in the past two years that I've been at university where I was required to complete one as an assignment. Unlike the NHS, our assignment was called a ‘Personal Development Plan’ (PDP). The PDP at University follows a very similar structure as the PDR; it lists your goals for the year, how you will achieve them and the deadline. I must admit whilst sat in lectures which were explaining the benefits of a Personal Development Plan, my classmates and I would often wonder if we would ever use these skills in the working world! Little did I know that I would be producing a Personal Development Plan/Review during my placement year!
I have also been finalising the content of an APP which I'm developing with the registered nurse on the CCG’s Governing Body. I have arranged a number of meetings this week with health and social care professionals to discuss their content requirements for the APP, in order for the design stage to begin.
I am currently working three days a week with the finance team at the CCG, to give me the opportunity to develop skills surrounding financial management. This week's task has been to code the invoices and put them onto the online database. New invoices are uploaded onto the system each day, therefore in order to maintain a steady workload the invoices must be coded on a daily basis to then be approved by an appropriate member of staff.
This week I have been lucky enough to appear inside Cheshire’s online lifestyle magazine; ‘So Cheshire’, who have published an article explaining the exciting opportunity that I have been given to work within the CCG as an undergraduate!
You can read the article by clicking here!
I will also be appearing in the Macclesfield Express in the next week or two so don't forget to look out for the article!
This week at the CCG I've had a wide variety of tasks and projects to complete, some of which are listed below to describe how each day is different...
Members of staff working for the NHS are required to complete a ‘Personal Development Review’ (PDR) every year, as part of their progress within the healthcare sector. Over the past week, I have started to note my personal objectives which I hope to achieve over the next twelve months. I have completed a similar style of assessment in the past two years that I've been at university where I was required to complete one as an assignment. Unlike the NHS, our assignment was called a ‘Personal Development Plan’ (PDP). The PDP at University follows a very similar structure as the PDR; it lists your goals for the year, how you will achieve them and the deadline. I must admit whilst sat in lectures which were explaining the benefits of a Personal Development Plan, my classmates and I would often wonder if we would ever use these skills in the working world! Little did I know that I would be producing a Personal Development Plan/Review during my placement year!
I have also been finalising the content of an APP which I'm developing with the registered nurse on the CCG’s Governing Body. I have arranged a number of meetings this week with health and social care professionals to discuss their content requirements for the APP, in order for the design stage to begin.
I am currently working three days a week with the finance team at the CCG, to give me the opportunity to develop skills surrounding financial management. This week's task has been to code the invoices and put them onto the online database. New invoices are uploaded onto the system each day, therefore in order to maintain a steady workload the invoices must be coded on a daily basis to then be approved by an appropriate member of staff.
3 October 2014
A 'Blue' Communicator...
29th September - 3rd October 2014
This week I have been working in the CCG’s finance department. On Monday morning I was rather nervous about what tasks I would be given from the financial managers, having only had a small amount of financial experience over the years of studying Business. It is safe to say that finance is probably my weakest area within the business field!
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to follow the instructions given to code the invoices and cross-check the invoices to see if there were any outstanding payments. Sammy, one of the finance managers was extremely helpful with guiding me through what I needed to do and much to my surprise, I have enjoyed the financial tasks that I was given!
In addition to working with the finance team, I have also continued working on a variety of projects that have been ongoing since my first few weeks at the CCG. As mentioned earlier in my blog, I have been producing a Business Case for a new mobile phone application to be used within the health and social care sector, which I am pleased to say is nearing completion.
All new starters at the CCG are asked to take a quick test to determine their communicating style and personality traits. The results from my test showed that I was a ‘Blue’ communicator, reflecting my organised and efficient nature within the work environment. The ‘Blue’ characteristics were closely followed by traits of a ‘Yellow’ Communicator, suggesting that I am a friendly and sociable person! If I have learnt anything from the test, it would be to be more of a 'Red' type of person; 'Reds' love a challenge and have a fiery type of personality!
This week I have been working in the CCG’s finance department. On Monday morning I was rather nervous about what tasks I would be given from the financial managers, having only had a small amount of financial experience over the years of studying Business. It is safe to say that finance is probably my weakest area within the business field!
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to follow the instructions given to code the invoices and cross-check the invoices to see if there were any outstanding payments. Sammy, one of the finance managers was extremely helpful with guiding me through what I needed to do and much to my surprise, I have enjoyed the financial tasks that I was given!
In addition to working with the finance team, I have also continued working on a variety of projects that have been ongoing since my first few weeks at the CCG. As mentioned earlier in my blog, I have been producing a Business Case for a new mobile phone application to be used within the health and social care sector, which I am pleased to say is nearing completion.
All new starters at the CCG are asked to take a quick test to determine their communicating style and personality traits. The results from my test showed that I was a ‘Blue’ communicator, reflecting my organised and efficient nature within the work environment. The ‘Blue’ characteristics were closely followed by traits of a ‘Yellow’ Communicator, suggesting that I am a friendly and sociable person! If I have learnt anything from the test, it would be to be more of a 'Red' type of person; 'Reds' love a challenge and have a fiery type of personality!
2 October 2014
A month as a placement student!
22nd September - 26th September 2014
My fourth week marked a month of being a placement student at the Eastern Cheshire CCG!
At the beginning of the week, I became familiar with a new database system, SharePoint, which allows GPs to share patient medical information and care plans with social workers, nurses and occupational therapists relating to the top two per cent of their high-risk patients, however it must be noted that no information is shared unless patients have consented.
Throughout the week, I have been producing a business case for the new mobile phone application which will be used by professionals in the health and social care sector. I also created images of what I envisioned the app to look like and produced a project plan with timeframes and milestones to be achieved.
The quality analysts are developing a new dashboard to measure the performance of the Caring Together programme. I will be involved in this project and will be responsible for producing the qualitative commentary to support the quantitative data which the analysts will collect.
The CCG’s Governing Body meet in public every other month to discuss projects which are being finalised. On Wednesday, I attended the Governing Body meeting to gain an insight into how members of the CCG listen to the public’s views and understand their opinions regarding future healthcare services before a decision is made.
A month has gone very quickly at the CCG! I am continuing to learn about the NHS, developing a variety of skills each day and meeting a range of new people.
My fourth week marked a month of being a placement student at the Eastern Cheshire CCG!
At the beginning of the week, I became familiar with a new database system, SharePoint, which allows GPs to share patient medical information and care plans with social workers, nurses and occupational therapists relating to the top two per cent of their high-risk patients, however it must be noted that no information is shared unless patients have consented.
Throughout the week, I have been producing a business case for the new mobile phone application which will be used by professionals in the health and social care sector. I also created images of what I envisioned the app to look like and produced a project plan with timeframes and milestones to be achieved.
The quality analysts are developing a new dashboard to measure the performance of the Caring Together programme. I will be involved in this project and will be responsible for producing the qualitative commentary to support the quantitative data which the analysts will collect.
The CCG’s Governing Body meet in public every other month to discuss projects which are being finalised. On Wednesday, I attended the Governing Body meeting to gain an insight into how members of the CCG listen to the public’s views and understand their opinions regarding future healthcare services before a decision is made.
A month has gone very quickly at the CCG! I am continuing to learn about the NHS, developing a variety of skills each day and meeting a range of new people.
Gaining a certificate from the HFMA
15th September - 19th September 2014
At the beginning of the week, I met quality analysts; Anita and Andy who talked me through the dashboards and databases which they produce to understand the quality and performance of a healthcare service.
On thursday I attended the 'Proactive Care Steering Group' meeting, along with GPs, pharmacists and occupational therapists, where it was discussed about the implementation of a Patient Passport, which aims to intergrate care for the high risk patients within the local area, as part of the Caring Together programme. The passport will provide guidance to health visitors about a patient’s medical and care requirements, including a care plan for each individual.
Whilst on my twelve month placement at the CCG, I have been given the opportunity to achieve a qualification from the Healthcare of Financial Management Association by completing a number of modules relating to the NHS and the finance behind it all. I will be choosing five modules, which will involve completing assessments throughout the year ahead. The certificate will be extremely beneficial for my academic studies and will also look good on my CV!
At the end of my third week on placement, I attended a Health Voice meeting where members of the public are invited to discuss their views about healthcare services. I expected the meeting to be rather heated but was pleasantly surprised that the attendees were mostly in agreement.
Overall, I felt my third week at the CCG went well and I am beginning to pick up some of the medical jargon and acronyms which every member of staff uses!
At the beginning of the week, I met quality analysts; Anita and Andy who talked me through the dashboards and databases which they produce to understand the quality and performance of a healthcare service.
On thursday I attended the 'Proactive Care Steering Group' meeting, along with GPs, pharmacists and occupational therapists, where it was discussed about the implementation of a Patient Passport, which aims to intergrate care for the high risk patients within the local area, as part of the Caring Together programme. The passport will provide guidance to health visitors about a patient’s medical and care requirements, including a care plan for each individual.
Whilst on my twelve month placement at the CCG, I have been given the opportunity to achieve a qualification from the Healthcare of Financial Management Association by completing a number of modules relating to the NHS and the finance behind it all. I will be choosing five modules, which will involve completing assessments throughout the year ahead. The certificate will be extremely beneficial for my academic studies and will also look good on my CV!
At the end of my third week on placement, I attended a Health Voice meeting where members of the public are invited to discuss their views about healthcare services. I expected the meeting to be rather heated but was pleasantly surprised that the attendees were mostly in agreement.
Overall, I felt my third week at the CCG went well and I am beginning to pick up some of the medical jargon and acronyms which every member of staff uses!
Settling into my new work environment
8th September - 12th September 2014
After a very busy and interesting first week at the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioing Group (CCG), my second week came around extremely quickly!
As a member of the CCG’s governing body, Sally Rogers was looking to develop a new mobile phone application which would provide important information for health and social care professionals working to the Mental Capacity Act. Consequently, I was asked to look at the viability of such an app and see if something comparable already existed.I am particularly enjoying becoming involved with the mobile application development and I am currently producing a business case which will explain the main components of the app.
Other activities included attending an interesting presentation from a doctor about the benefits of a new piece of software called 'Telemedicine’, allowing GPs and consultants to meet with patients via a video call. This was particularly interesting as I was able to gain more of an insight and understanding into the medical side of the organisation.
I have also read several documents to help my understanding of the very complex structure of the NHS.
After a very busy and interesting first week at the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioing Group (CCG), my second week came around extremely quickly!
As a member of the CCG’s governing body, Sally Rogers was looking to develop a new mobile phone application which would provide important information for health and social care professionals working to the Mental Capacity Act. Consequently, I was asked to look at the viability of such an app and see if something comparable already existed.I am particularly enjoying becoming involved with the mobile application development and I am currently producing a business case which will explain the main components of the app.
Other activities included attending an interesting presentation from a doctor about the benefits of a new piece of software called 'Telemedicine’, allowing GPs and consultants to meet with patients via a video call. This was particularly interesting as I was able to gain more of an insight and understanding into the medical side of the organisation.
I have also read several documents to help my understanding of the very complex structure of the NHS.
My first week in the working world!
1st September - 5th September 2014
Welcome to my first blog post! My name is Emma Hardy; I am a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, studying Business. As part of the third year of my degree, I had the opportunity to undertake a twelve month placement. I was lucky enough to have found an exciting position here at the NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, where I will perform the role of a ‘Commissioning and Quality Officer’.
This particular placement really appealed to me because of the opportunity to work within different departments, meet a range of colleagues and manage a number of projects within the healthcare profession.
After an extremely long summer break (not to make anyone jealous!) I was ready to start a new and exciting challenge as a placement student working for a public sector organisation. As a student entering an organisation as large and well-known as the NHS, I was understandably nervous and apprehensive about my first day, but I was soon made to feel welcome by a friendly and helpful bunch of professional people.
My first week at the CCG consisted of several introductory activities, including Mandatory Training, meeting with staff to discuss their roles, in addition to reading a number of useful NHS documents. I also had the opportunity to attend meetings to listen and make notes about what happens on a daily basis within the CCG. Towards the end of the week, I attended the Locality Meeting, where I met a range of healthcare professionals and GP practice managers to listen to their progress with various projects.
As my first working week came to an end, I had learnt an awful lot about the daily operation of a Clinical Commissioning Group, the vast range of contracts which the CCG is responsible for and the need for high quality services from providers. My first week was one that was very interesting and really opened my eyes as to how CCGs play a crucial role in planning, buying and monitoring healthcare for the local population. There has been a lot of information to get my head around, but I am looking forward to spending the next twelve months developing my knowledge and skills within the CCG.
Visit the CCG's website to find out more; www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk
Welcome to my first blog post! My name is Emma Hardy; I am a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, studying Business. As part of the third year of my degree, I had the opportunity to undertake a twelve month placement. I was lucky enough to have found an exciting position here at the NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, where I will perform the role of a ‘Commissioning and Quality Officer’.
This particular placement really appealed to me because of the opportunity to work within different departments, meet a range of colleagues and manage a number of projects within the healthcare profession.
After an extremely long summer break (not to make anyone jealous!) I was ready to start a new and exciting challenge as a placement student working for a public sector organisation. As a student entering an organisation as large and well-known as the NHS, I was understandably nervous and apprehensive about my first day, but I was soon made to feel welcome by a friendly and helpful bunch of professional people.
My first week at the CCG consisted of several introductory activities, including Mandatory Training, meeting with staff to discuss their roles, in addition to reading a number of useful NHS documents. I also had the opportunity to attend meetings to listen and make notes about what happens on a daily basis within the CCG. Towards the end of the week, I attended the Locality Meeting, where I met a range of healthcare professionals and GP practice managers to listen to their progress with various projects.
As my first working week came to an end, I had learnt an awful lot about the daily operation of a Clinical Commissioning Group, the vast range of contracts which the CCG is responsible for and the need for high quality services from providers. My first week was one that was very interesting and really opened my eyes as to how CCGs play a crucial role in planning, buying and monitoring healthcare for the local population. There has been a lot of information to get my head around, but I am looking forward to spending the next twelve months developing my knowledge and skills within the CCG.
Visit the CCG's website to find out more; www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk
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