The background
Ten years ago, Bedford Hospital, was grappling with the challenges of medical recruitment. With reliance on multiple suppliers, not only did this
lead to inconsistent and often inflated rates of pay for locum doctors, but it also brought about a considerable administrative load. Recognising the inefficiencies and seeking a sustainable, streamlined solution, the Trust turned to Holt Doctors in 2013.
Challenges Over the Decade
- Inconsistent Supplier Rates: Engaging various suppliers led to variable rates, causing budgetary inconsistencies.
- Heavy Administrative Load: Multiple suppliers meant more paperwork, compliance checks and coordination.
- Compliance Issues: Ensuring that every locum doctor from various agencies met the required standards was daunting.
- Filling Specialist Roles: Certain specialties had chronic shortages, making last-minute cover difficult.
Holt Doctors’ Managed Service Evolution
- 2013 – Initial Engagement: Holt Doctors was chosen as the Master Vendor, marking the beginning of the transformation. They began by providing a dedicated Client Team and implementing the LMS IT Recruitment Platform.
- 2014 – Process Enhancement: Recognising the need for greater efficiency, Holt Doctors integrated additional features into the LMS system to make room for a VAT efficiency model, resulting in significant cost savings.
- 2016 – Adaptability and Growth: Holt’s model was regularly revisited and refined in response to feedback and changing needs, such as introducing a Direct Engagement (DE) model that achieved 100% compliance and substantial savings. Took on management of AHPs.
- 2018 – Bank Management for doctors: Provided tech platform for booking and managing internal bank of doctors, inc. Payroll system.
Results after a decade
• Financial Savings: The partnership has saved the Trust an impressive £265,000 on medical locum expenditure in the first year alone, with consistent savings thereafter.
• Bank Hours Growth: A surge from 28,000 hours in 2014 to a remarkable 131,000 hours in the present year.
• Exceptional Fill Rates: BHFT now consistently achieves an outstanding average fill rate of 97.8%.
• Streamlined Administration: The workload for the medical staffing team at the Trust has been notably reduced, with compliance and sub-contractor management all handled adeptly by Holt Doctors.
• AHP Success: Holt’s commitment ensured fill rates for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) surpassing 95% and 100% compliance.
Conclusion
The 10-year partnership stands as a testament to the power of tailored managed service provision. Through mutual collaboration, continuous evaluation, and adaptability, this journey reflects the potential of a well-managed, integrated recruitment process in transforming healthcare service delivery.
For more information please contact us.