Customer Case Study: Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN)

Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) embarked on a transformative journey to streamline workforce scheduling, starting with the Emergency Department (ED) at Royal Adelaide Hospital. The ED director recognised the need for efficient scheduling solutions and initiated the implementation of a Core Schedule for consultants

• CALHN: A prominent healthcare network serving the Adelaide region.
• Royal Adelaide Hospital: Part of CALHN, housing the Emergency Department.
• Key Decision-Makers: Director of ED at Royal Adelaide Hospital, Medical Administration Unit -Steering Committee

Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) grappled with manual scheduling processes and outdated systems across its healthcare facilities, leading to inefficiencies in staff deployment and suboptimal resource utilisation. The need for a modern, scalable, and agile scheduling solution was evident as CALHN sought to expand scheduling initiatives to units like the Medical Administration Unit (RMOs/Interns) and respond swiftly to emergent situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional methods were ill-equipped to meet the dynamic demands of healthcare staffing, hindering operational efficiency and impacting patient care quality.

• Multi-dimensional Challenges: CALHN faced scheduling challenges across various units, necessitating a comprehensive solution.
• Complexity in Healthcare Scheduling: Unique requirements in units like the Medical Administration Unit and the COVID Response unit underscored the need for specialised scheduling tools.
• Impact on Patient Care: Inefficient processes posed risks to patient care, emphasizing the urgency of a modern scheduling solution.
• Scalability Requirement: The solution needed to be scalable to support CALHN’s growth and adapt to evolving healthcare needs.

Core Schedule responded to Central Adelaide Local Health Network’s (CALHN) needs with a comprehensive solution that addressed the intricate scheduling requirements across various units, including the Emergency Department (ED), the Medical Administration Unit (RMOs/Interns), and the COVID Response unit.

Initially, for the ED at Royal Adelaide Hospital, Core Schedule implemented a tailored scheduling solution focused on the needs of consultants. This involved streamling scheduling processes, optimising resource allocation, and providing intuitive tools for managing shifts, ensuring efficient staff deployment and improved patient care.

During the preparation of the business case for expanding Core Schedule within CALHN, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, necessitating an urgent response from both CALHN and Core Schedule. CALHN reached out to Core Schedule to implement their solution within the COVID Response unit, which encompassed over 20 areas and required scheduling for approximately 600 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) within a tight timeframe of three weeks. Core Schedule rose to the challenge, leveraging its expertise and adaptable technology to fast-track the implementation process while maintaining accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.

In addition to the COVID Response project, Core Schedule continued its collaboration with CALHN to extend its solution beyond the ED, encompassing the Medical Administration Unit (RMOs/Interns). Recognising the diverse scheduling needs within this unit, Core Schedule introduced its Core Allocation Module, a sophisticated tool designed to handle complex scheduling requirements, such as managing rotating schedules, accommodating shift preferences, and ensuring equitable workload distribution among medical staff.

The Core Allocation Module empowered CALHN to optimise scheduling for RMOs and interns, reducing administrative burden, minimising scheduling conflicts, and enhancing overall workforce satisfaction. By leveraging Core Schedule’s technology, CALHN achieved greater operational efficiency and improved staff morale, ultimately leading to better patient care outcomes across the organisation.

Through these initiatives, Core Schedule demonstrated its commitment to providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by healthcare organisations like CALHN. By continuously innovating and expanding its offerings, Core Schedule supported CALHN’s mission to deliver high-quality healthcare services efficiently and effectively to the community.

The implementation process involved consultation with stakeholders, customisation of the solution to meet specific needs, and training for staff members. Challenges were addressed promptly to ensure a smooth transition.

Following the successful COVID Response project rollout, Core Schedule organised an onsite Roadshow/User Group Event at Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN). This event aimed to foster greater collaboration and awareness among CALHN staff members.

• Increased buy-in and adoption from existing areas due to real-life examples and testimonials shared during the event.
• Raised awareness among areas not yet using Core Schedule, paving the way for potential future implementations.
• The strengthened partnership between Core Schedule and CALHN positioned both for continued success and growth.

• Improved efficiency: Automated scheduling reduced administrative burden and optimised resource utilisation.
• Enhanced productivity: Consultants could focus more on patient care, leading to improved outcomes.
• Cost savings: Streamlined processes resulted in cost savings for CALHN.

“The implementation of Core Schedule has significantly improved our scheduling efficiency and patient care delivery in the Emergency Department. We are extremely satisfied with the results.” – Director of ED, Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Interested in streamlining your healthcare workforce scheduling? Contact Core Schedule today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help your organisation achieve similar results.