Eastern Cheshire CCG 

Eastern Cheshire CCG required a business case for a Referral Management System (RMS) and engaged In-Form Solutions to provide the specialist support it needed.

The business case development included the following:

• Facilitating and engaging with GPs and other stakeholders to review and shortlist options.
• Developing a secure infrastructure for collaboration with a safe repository through Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
• Facilitating visits from key suppliers and leading the negotiation process.
• Undertaking one to one meetings with providers.
• Facilitating visits to other CCG’s with Referral Management systems in place including GP’s and clinicians.
• Undertaking desk research and benchmarking other systems.
• Developing and completing various cost benefit scenarios of different options.
• Undertaking an Option Appraisal.
• Preparing the governance documentation e.g. QIA & PIA.
• Developing and agreeing an implementation plan with key stakeholders.
• The development and establishment of a robust governance framework and outline plans.
• Preparing a Draft Business Case and facilitation a workshop.
• Completing and presenting the final Business Case to the Executive Team.
• Preparing Board Papers which was successfully accepted.
• Providing on-site support to senior commissioners and GP’s at the CCG.

The completed case included a Delivery Plan, a Quality Impact Assessment, Risk Assessment, Privacy Impact Assessment and Steering Group Terms of Reference and was presented and accepted at the CCG Board.

The outcome of the work was the procurement and implementation of the RMS System in line with the business case. The system has enabled more appropriate referrals being sent to the acute hospitals, in turn enabling them to provide improved, well-aligned care, and patients being treated closer to home.

The Business Case was of high quality and was delivered in time and below budget. The main reasons that this assignment was so successful, was that the CCG was able to draw upon their experience of implementing a RMS before, but they right from the outset positively engaged with all our team including our clinicians. The In-Form Solutions team also introduced us to their network of contacts with both other CCG’s and key suppliers and were fully transparent in their dealings. We as a CCG have since built on these contacts and have developed positive relationships. Excellent contribution and worked well with other internal members of our organisation. Would have no hesitation in using In-Form again."

- Neil Evans, Turnaround Director of Eastern Cheshire CCG.