26 January 2011
We aim to bring you top tips from the learning from the regions as they go through the reprocurement process, and on best management of the current contract.
Reprocurement communications tips :
1) Remember to identify a communications lead from your region at the start of the reprocurement. Get them involved and get HOS on their agenda, including timescales for your regions’ reprocurement. In these changing times, this will mitigate the risks if colleagues leave or move roles, as HOS will be on their list for handing over.
2) It is important to identify local stakeholders in your region and nurture relationships with them, as they will be crucial in future communication with patients and carers. Stakeholders you might wish to approach include local Breatheasy groups, hospital respiratory teams , PALs and LINKs groups.
3) Remember as the first regions begin the transition period, it will be important to keep the ‘nothing to worry about’ messages going out to patients in other regions, lest they hear from elsewhere in the country. Again it will be important to link with other stakeholders to support patients (the British Lung Foundation etc).
Management of current contracts tips :
1) It is recommended that PCTs undertake ‘good housekeeping’ tasks on their home oxygen provision.
For example, clean the registers. This will involve checking for patients who are deceased - you may have been paying for their service unnecessarily.
2) When cleaning the register check for patients who have moved area as they may now be in a different PCT.
3) When cleaning the register check for patients who are currently on, or have been on holiday to ensure that costs are allocated to the correct PCT.
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