FIREFLY STRENTHENS WEST SUSSEX CARE FRAMEWORK

Constantly measuring, monitoring and improving quality is integral to the successful delivery of residential and nursing care in the private and public sectors. Meeting patient and resident needs, complying with legislation and finding innovative ways of working, often across multiple agencies, demands communication, co-ordination and extensive organisation.

Richard Ratcliffe, managing director at Firefly Online Ltd, shares insight into how the company’s latest software technology, developed in partnership with West Sussex County Council, is helping the local authority gain greater understanding of the market forces within the health and social care sector, target resources more effectively and share information about residential and nursing care more efficiently.

“Data held on the new MMi3 (Measure, Monitor, Improve) system we have designed, enables speedy evaluation of the current available capacity and capability in nursing and residential centres. It also details the type of services provided and gives an overview of the suitability and quality of health and social care services in the county,” Richard explains.

Data on every residential home in the county is collated by the system. The data is derived from a variety of sources including the regular assurance visits conducted by the council’s Local Authority Contracts, Quality Assurance and Performance Team. This data then gives a live view of the nursing and residential care landscape, enabling West Sussex County Council to work closely with providers in a proactive and supportive manner to maintain quality and continuity of service.

Richard continued: “MMi3 -assure is unique in providing the ability to produce an overview of key information relating to care services individually and collectively, across the county. This allows the council team to identify trends and risks in specific markets relating to key areas such as safety, quality, the number of care home places available, the financial stability of the care service, and the capability of staff and managers.

“Feedback from users has been very positive. Officers no longer need to write-up reports following monitoring visits. Reports are generated from the responses collected on site and issued automatically when complete, producing an estimated 50 per cent efficiency in officers’ contract monitoring time. External care providers, colleagues and partner agencies are all tasked with entering data into the system too, aiding measurement, assisting monitoring and helping guide improvement.

“Cross-agency communication and information sharing has improved significantly since the introduction of the new software, ensuring more timely interventions are made. Led by West Sussex County Council, a combined agency approach in support of a care provider is implemented as soon as any performance concerns are identified through the new software or face-to-face meetings.”

Extending access to MMi3 –assured to other agencies in the months ahead, including colleagues within the Care Quality Commission, the Clinical Commissioning Groups, Fire and Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service and the Coroner’s Office, will further strengthen the council’s commitment to sharing key information and coordinating care.

Firefly Online Ltd are working with West Sussex County Council to further develop and expand the use of the software across additional care sectors and demonstrating its current and future value to other local authorities across the UK.