In response to a request to decommission a discharge service provided by a private sector company, I led the transition of activity to an enhanced in-house service. My primary objective was to ensure a seamless transfer with no disruption to patient discharge pathways or wider clinical teams. I established strong working relationships with clinicians and prescribers across both services, enabling me to identify service gaps, risks, and areas for improvement.
Working closely with the Clinical Lead, we co-designed a new staffing model and operational plan for the expanded service. I convened a multi-disciplinary group—including Senior Clinical, legal, procurement and contract specialists—to manage the decommissioning process and ensure compliance throughout. The transition was phased geographically, which allowed for controlled handovers and minimal disruption.
Clear, proactive communication with prescribers ensured changes to referral pathways and documentation were well understood in advance. The newly embedded service, fully mobilised in Autumn 2024, delivered cost efficiencies and faster handovers through stronger clinical relationships and streamlined processes.
Sharon Wilcock
Palar Consultancy