In response to COVID-19 staffing shortages, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) initiated a project to introduce a clinical orderly role into the bank workforce. Since partnering with Bank Partners, part of Acacium Group, the project has exemplified how shared responsibilities can support new pathways into care, benefiting the local community whilst aligning with the NHS workforce plan.
Key Achievements
86 orderlies recruited into the programme
40 orderlies transitioned to qualified HCAs
4 orderlies advanced to staff nurse roles after completing their degrees
The Challenge
During the Covid-19 pandemic, BHRUT faced a capacity challenge for ward-based clinical staff, which was further exacerbated by strict infection prevention protocols. To meet this additional demand, BHRUT designed an innovative recruitment programme, creating a team of orderlies that could be assigned to wards with the greatest need to support with personal care duties. This provided much-needed support to ward clinicians, allowing time back to specialist care duties for nurses.
The Partnership
Bank Partners was selected for its comprehensive understanding of healthcare staffing and ability to implement tailored solutions quickly. The partnership approach involved:
- BHRUT Trust: Introduced the orderly role and managed care certificate training and completion alongside daily operations to ensure candidates develop a range of clinical experience across a variety of specialities within an NHS environment.
- Bank Partners: Supported delivery through attraction, onboarding, bookings, and ongoing support, coordinating and managing the workers.
The Solution
BHRUT introduced a clinical orderly role tailored for applicants with non-acute care experience. This role required a shorter training period, focusing on essential patient-related care, including pastoral care tasks. The onboarding process was developed in conjunction with an accredited care certificate programme, enabling orderlies to gain valuable skills and progress in healthcare. Bank Partners supported the Trust by coordinating worker attraction, onboarding, and management, ensuring seamless integration of orderlies into their workforce.
Impact
- Enhanced staffing stability: 86 orderlies were recruited, with 40 advancing to qualified HCAs, significantly improving the Trust's HCA staffing levels.
- Career progression and retention: Accredited training and development opportunities improved retention rates and career progression, with four orderlies advancing to staff nurse roles after completing their degrees.
- Support for basic care needs: Orderlies provided much-needed support for time-consuming tasks, allowing clinical staff to focus on more complex duties and improving overall patient care.
- Alignment with NHS workforce plan: The programme aligned with the NHS long-term workforce plan and local employment social value targets, benefiting both the Trust and the local community.
“Working in a collaborative partnership with Bank Partners has enabled an innovative workforce approach. This initiative has not only contributed to stabilising our staffing levels but also created valuable career pathways for local community members. For a Trust that has a ‘Grow Your Own’ ethos, it is something we are incredibly proud of and highlights our commitment to building a local workforce. Bank Partners’ ongoing support has made them a partner in our long-term workforce strategy.”
Alexia Young, Clinical Group Director of Operations, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Get in Touch
If you're interested in learning more about our services and how we can help your organisation achieve similar results, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Contact Us