A Digital Procurement Platform for Patient Transport: Why do NHS Trusts use it?
Last month, we sat down with Chris Ackerman (Director of Delivery and Implementation for Allocate Transport Marketplace, RLDatix) to discuss the recent challenges faced by the NHS and how we can better support our healthcare system when it comes to Patient Transport. He spoke to us about how the Allocate Transport Marketplace solution has helped many Trusts across the UK with their patient transport management, and what it really means for patients, providers, and transport staff at the NHS.
Where did Allocate Transport Marketplace develop from?
Allocate Transport Marketplace, previously known as eProcure was a legacy 365 Response product. The solution was developed because a huge gap in the market was identified and there are a significant number of manual tasks being undertaken by the NHS Trusts in the UK. The solution was developed to aid them with workflows and ultimately with the procurement of third-party suppliers for Patient transport.
Why is Allocate Transport Marketplace important to the NHS?
It’s important for the NHS because we can legally procure third-party suppliers through our framework. Most of the trusts within the NHS are still working on manual processes and trips are not always 100% legally procured either so we can offer them that solution. We’ve got a huge supplier pool all over the UK so we’re ready to go at the click of a button.
How have RLDatix managed the helping needs and demands of the NHS?
We’re helping the NHS with their ever-changing needs and demands throughout their services specifically supporting to reduce bed blocking and the fact that the suppliers are generally local also helps them reduce their carbon footprint, working towards their sustainability goals as well as for RLDatix.
It’s free of charge for the NHS to use, and it opens up a huge portal of compliant providers who are able to fulfil the demands for urgent and non-urgent patient transport. The types of transport we support can vary between NEPTS (Non-Emergency-Patient-Transport), high dependency all the way through to 999, taxis’ and mental health.
What have clients said about the system and how has it benefited them?
We were recognised for and won the HSJ award for one of our taxi competitions; working alongside NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) we were able to reduce their taxi costs by up to 10%. So, you know, there is some phenomenal savings to be made throughout the NHS.
Working alongside NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) we were able to reduce their taxi costs by up to 10%
The feedback we’ve received from clients around the system is that it’s very easy to use. We’ve also had some really good feedback in terms of how quick the mobilisation is where we can turn it around from anywhere between 24 hours to two weeks depending on the size of the competition, the customer or the work just in general.
What does the onboarding and implementation process look like?
Our implementations implementation consists of anything from one day to implement. Some Trusts use our system to just procure their third-party supply through us right away and others prefer for us to physically manage all their taxi competitions for them.
Our largest taxi competition included 16,500 shifts based in the North West region
Our largest taxi competition included 16,500 shifts based in the North West region and we’re currently in talks with various ICS’ across the nation in regards to mental health bookings.
How do NHS Trusts use the system?
NHS Trusts use our system in multiple ways. We have some who have access to our system and manage it purely themselves, and so they will put a callout for shifts or journeys they may require which goes directly to our suppliers and others like us to manage that aspect for them.
What is the process for providers to join the platform?
From a transport supplier point of view we can help you to provide regular patient transport services to the NHS, giving you high-quality, consistent work to help you to grow your business and support the NHS.
It’s really a simple process, and all you need to do is fill in a few forms, which we’ll then assess your application based on the framework and its standards and permitted it complies, you’ll then be granted access to start bidding for work.
For any questions or if you’d like to know more, speak to us today and we’ll be happy to help.
Alternatively, you can visit our website here or contact us via email at [email protected]
