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!
30 October 2014
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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