End of Shift and IX trial update

It’s time for another update on the End of Shift and IX trials, and some of the other actions and activity that has emerged from them. 

As explained previously on Need to Know, the End of Shift (EoS) trial has ended and the criteria that were trialled are now ‘business as usual’ (BAU) meaning that in your last 30 minutes you should only be dispatched on Code 9s, Echo codes and a subset of 5 maternity C1 codes. 

The Intelligent X-Ray (IX) trial is running across all sectors until the 3rd January. This means that if your return journey to base will result in a late finish, you will be placed ‘Level 0’ and respond only to the same codes as you would in your last 30 minutes. 

We have previously asked crews to email eostrial@eastamb.nhs.uk if you get dispatched in your last 30 minutes, or when you would be IX, to make sure that our data set is as complete as possible. You can still do this, but you can also alert the trial team via an MDT message including the keyword #EoStrial before you clear off the call. 

Progress is being made by AOC colleagues and the Trust's CAD developers to make changes to the CAD to reflect the changed codes for the last 30 minutes and IX, which should help with the consistency and accuracy of dispatch and make the process much more efficient for AOC colleagues. 

You may have noticed some recent changes in MDT messaging from the Tactical Operations Cell when the Trust is at higher surge levels, including Internal Critical Incident (ICI). The messages are providing greater clarity as to the status of end of shift protections e.g. explaining that instead of a ‘blanket’ removal of protections (an option for the Strategic Commander under the current Surge Plan), that there will be an assigned clinician to review calls on an individual basis to identify those that might need dispatch outside of EoS protections. 

MDT messaging has limitations: for example, crews will not be able to see messages sent before they sign on. Work is also progressing on a “wallboard” that crews can access via iPads which will provide real-time information on surge status, any surge actions that have been put in place (e.g. disturbable element of meal-breaks) and the status of any trials (e.g. IX trial) that might be taking place. 

The Operational Processes Working Group that brought you the EoS and IX trials is currently deciding on the next issue to focus on: there will be more news on this in due course. 

As usual, any questions, comments, suggestions or concerns about the EoS or IX trials can be emailed to the trial team at eostrial@eastamb.nhs.uk. 

Published 16th December 2021