Hospital held up as success story

An initiative to improve efficiency at Chippenham Community Hospital is being used as a tool to help other areas of the NHS.

The hospital piloted a programme which cut the time staff spent in meetings so they could concentrate on patient care.

It has led to better efficiency in the stroke rehabilitation ward, minor injuries ward, and x-ray department.

The Wiltshire hospital is featured in a new booklet as one of "10 reasons to be proud of the NHS".

Staff made extensive changes to help streamline their working day, such as the introduction of a daily timetable for each inpatient which detailed their care so patients did not have to go over the same information numerous times with different staff.

Managing Director of Wiltshire Community Health Services, Jenny Barker, said: "Staff have worked incredibly hard to become more efficient in their day-to-day working over the last year.

"They've been determined to make challenging changes to the way they work and we're thrilled with the progress they've made."

The initiative was part of the Productive Community Hospitals programme run by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement

The hospital's success story is also being featured on a DVD which will used to help enhance patient care at other community hospitals.