What is Firebreak ’24?

• Firebreak ’24 is an initiative focused on accelerating transformation efforts to improve patient care and hospital flow. Taking place from 16 to 25 September 2024, the goal is to reduce hospital occupancy, streamline admissions and manage unscheduled care demand – ultimately leading to safer care and sustainable improvements.

Why is Firebreak ’24 important?

• This initiative is critical to laying a strong foundation for managing the increased demand during the upcoming winter period. Firebreak ’24 aims to reduce occupancy levels, improve patient flow and ensure that we are better equipped to deliver high-quality care while fostering a supportive work environment.

What are the main objectives of Firebreak ’24?

Firebreak ’24 focuses on:

• Reducing hospital occupancy levels to create safer and more effective patient care environments
• Managing unscheduled care demand by enhancing pathways and response systems
• Streamlining patient admissions with the Front Door Target Operating Model (TOM) to improve initial care processes
• Optimising discharge planning to ensure timely and efficient patient discharges
• Fostering sustainable safety improvements that benefit patients and staff long-term

How will Firebreak ’24 benefit patients?

By reducing occupancy levels and improving hospital flow, Firebreak ’24 will:

• Minimise delays in care
• Improve patient experiences by reducing the number of patients waiting in inappropriate areas
• Enhance patient safety by creating a more organised and efficient system of care

How will Firebreak ’24 benefit staff?

Firebreak ’24 is designed to:

• Improve working conditions by reducing overcapacity, easing workloads and enhancing team morale
• Simplify workflows through the introduction of streamlined processes
• Foster collective leadership and shared accountability across all levels

What actions will be taken during Firebreak ’24?

Key actions include:

• Call Before You Convey (FNC+Plus) to refine emergency response strategies
• Direct Admission Pathway (Frailty) to streamline the admissions process for frail patients
• Optimal Discharge Planning Target Operating Model to improve discharge processes and reduce hospital occupancy
• Communication and Engagement Plans to ensure staff, GPs, and the public are informed and engaged throughout the initiative

What is expected from staff during Firebreak ’24?

Staff are encouraged to:

• Review the briefing and understand the objectives and key actions
• Discuss the initiative within teams and explore ways to contribute to its success
• Actively participate by following new processes and providing feedback on improvements

What are the key principles guiding Firebreak ’24?

Firebreak ’24 is grounded in principles of:

• Simplicity and Sustainability: Implementing changes that are straightforward and long-lasting
• Collective Leadership and Accountability: Ensuring shared leadership at all levels to support the initiative
• Sustainable Workflows: Launching new, practical ways of working to improve efficiency
• Staff Morale: Enhancing the work environment to support staff wellbeing
• Measurability: Tracking and measuring the impact of changes to ensure continuous improvement

How can staff contribute to the success of Firebreak ’24?

Staff can contribute by:

• Engaging with new systems and processes during the Firebreak
• Offering feedback and suggestions for further improvements
• Taking ownership of your role in reducing occupancy and improving patient care

How will the impact of Firebreak ’24 be measured?

The initiative’s success will be measured through:

• Reductions in hospital occupancy levels
• Improvements in patient flow and discharge times
• Enhanced patient and staff satisfaction
• The sustainability of changes made during this period

What happens after Firebreak ’24?

• The learnings and changes implemented during Firebreak ’24 will serve as a foundation for ongoing improvement. The focus will be on maintaining the benefits achieved and continuing to innovate and improve care pathways, especially as we approach the busier winter months.

How will communication be handled during Firebreak ’24?

• There will be regular updates to ensure that all staff, GPs, and the public are informed and engaged. A comprehensive Communication and Engagement Plan will guide this effort, making sure everyone is aligned with the goals and progress of Firebreak ’24.
• Visit our webpages to find out more about Operation FLOW: www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/OperationFLOW/

How can I provide feedback on Firebreak ’24?

• For further questions or suggestions, please reach out to your team leaders or contact the Firebreak ’24 coordination team.
• Please use our dedicated email address operationFLOW@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk to share your thoughts, suggestions and questions

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in patient care and staff wellbeing.

#TeamLanarkshire