9th August 2024
Cheshire and Merseyside (C&M) Endoscopy Network commissioned the NHS Transformation Unit (NHS TU) to produce a NHSE short-form business case. The business case aimed to support the network in securing capital funding to transform endoscopy services across C&M and was based on a five-case model and methodology.
The Challenge
The C&M Endoscopy Network identified several opportunities to transform the delivery and distribution of endoscopy for the population of C&M. The goal was to future-proof the service for the next 5-10 years, making it a fit-for-purpose, no-boundaries service. The NHS TU was commissioned to support the development of the NHSE short-form business case to secure capital funding for this transformation.
Our Approach
The project followed Better Business Cases’ five-case methodology to produce a short-form business case within a quick turnaround time to meet NHS England’s (NHSE) requirements. The following activities were undertaken in developing the business case:
- Coordinated and authored the five-case model business case.
- Engaged stakeholders to confirm the case for change, spending objectives, and critical success factors.
- Defined and obtained agreement of their model of care and produced an implementation plan.
- Facilitated a robust options development approach, enabling options long-listing and short-listing with the programme.
- Engaged subject matter experts to confirm commercial routes.
- Worked with stakeholders to secure the necessary financial case inputs .
- Confirmed programme, benefits, and risk management arrangements.
- Finalised the business case in response to comments from formal assurance and review.
The preferred option focused on delivering an endoscopy transformation programme in line with a four-strand model of care:
- Reprofiled capacity across the C&M Endoscopy Network at two new hub sites to support bowel cancer screening and surveillance lists
- Cohorted advanced endoscopy procedures at a limited number of sites to retain specialist skills and resources within the workforce
- Delivered alternatives to endoscopy procedures at an increasing number of sites to increase patient choice and support those unable to tolerate endoscopy procedures without general anaesthetic.
- Piloted the use of digital innovation to reduce duplicate admin processes.
The Outcome
The short form business case was approved and an investment of £8.1 million was secured from NHS England to implement the model of care through eight projects. These projects made up the Endoscopy Transformation Programme, implemented between November 2023 and June 2024.