In partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CUHFT), Northwest Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT), and utilising Content Guru’s cutting edge storm® solution, HUC launched its Virtual Waiting Room within the region last year. Since then, it has been used to successfully divert over 1500 patients away from EDs, using storm’s on-demand video consultation technology, or alternative routes to care.
The Virtual Waiting Room acts as an alternative pathway for patients who have been directed to the ED following contact with NHS 111 and an assessment by a clinician. Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge has also implemented this cutting edge technology to reduce unheralded arrivals to its ED while ensuring that every patient is treated effectively.
The HSJ Awards is the largest annual benchmarking and recognition programme for the health sector. HUC won in the ‘Driving Efficiency Through Technology’ category. The comprehensive assessment process involved a first round of remote judging – overseen by a panel of dedicated industry professionals – followed by a live presentation.
Janice Greenhill, Chief Operating Officer at HUC says: “To have been shortlisted for the work we’re doing to help the communities we serve was an honour; however, to now be recognised as leaders in healthcare innovation for our work only drives us to continue with innovating further to help the patients we serve.”
Martin Taylor, Deputy CEO and Co-Founder of Content Guru, commented: “We are delighted that our technology underpinned the project recognised by HSJ in this prestigious award. Content Guru continues to invest heavily to keep our storm cloud communications solution at the cutting-edge. This in turn ensures that our clients, like HUC, can innovate rapidly and bring tremendous benefits to health organisations and patients.”
Dr Gary Howsam, Chair of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG, said: “It’s fantastic to see that our Virtual Waiting Room has been recognised by the HSJ awards. It clearly demonstrates how by working together with our partners across the local health and care system we can ensure we provide innovative and high-quality services for our local communities.”