Established in
March 2001
A BSE Accredited Department
Member The NHS Confederation
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The Benefits
Of Delivering Quality and ValuePatient-Led A service designed around the needs and convenience of the patient
Quality Assured / Delivering Quality An echo service provided by a BSE (British Society of Echocardiography) Accredited Department 39% of echo studies reviewed for QA and audit purposes Echotech Quality Accounts 18.05.2009
Offering Choice and Flexibility Matching activity with the needs of the local community
Significantly Shorter Waiting Times Supporting healthcare professionals deliver the 18 week target Waiting time less than 2 weeks for PMC managed contracts Echotech Quality Accounts 18.05.2009
Health Improvement Early diagnosis and treatment of heart failure can reduce mortality, morbidity and hospital admissions
Lean / Efficient Care Pathways We provide primary care physicians a first step in confirming those patients with cardiac abnormalities requiring specialist referral and those that can be managed conservatively in the community
'Greater access to diagnostic tests in primary care could reduce unnecessary referrals. At present approximately 60% of people referred for specialist assessment are not subsequently diagnosed with heart failure.' NICE Commissioning Guide 2008
Supporting NHS Capacity Significant sparing effect on Acute Trust / outpatients referrals 1 in 10 patients for secondary care onward referral Echotech Value Model 15.05.09
Integrated with Cardiac Networks GP focussed service with Cardiology online access to reports and images
Cost Effective / Delivering Value A highly competitive rate per scan siginificantly below the 'non-mandatory' price for a transthoracic echocardiogram In 2009-10, the non-mandatory price for direct access transthoracic echocardiogram is £87 plus MFF
61% cost saving vs traditional Consultant Outpatient pathway Echotech Value Model 15.05.09 Delivery of high quality care (including the early and accurate diagnosis / treatment of heart failure and the better management of patients closer to home) reduces the overall cost burden for managing heart failure
'Good quality care costs less than sub-optimal care - length of stay, admission rate and readmission rates are reduced.' Focus on: Heart Failure. NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement. Jan 2009
Other bottom line savings include: Reduced inappropriate secondary care attendances Reduction in outpatients appointments Efficient and appropriate use of specialist teams
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