A remarkable project at Kettering General Hospital has achieved an unprecedented reduction in neurology waiting lists through the application of innovative technology. Utilizing technology from leading telemedicine provider Consultant Connect, the hospital successfully triaged over 1,000 referrals in fewer than two months. This breakthrough comes at a critical juncture when more than 230,000 patients across England are on neurology waiting lists, enduring an average wait of 17 weeks.

The groundbreaking project resulted in a reduction of the neurology waiting list by over half, from 1,001 to 491, providing a replicable model for other NHS Trusts to effectively address their own backlogs. Patients were either redirected to alternative pathways, returned to their GP with a treatment plan, accepted for routine appointments, or fast-tracked for urgent care, ensuring expedited access to necessary medical attention.

The success of the project was driven by the collaboration with NHS neurologists nationwide, facilitated by Consultant Connect's National Consultant Network. Briefed by Kettering General Hospital’s local clinical lead on available pathways, these specialists remotely reviewed the waiting list, resulting in hundreds of patients receiving a management plan from their GP, thereby avoiding unnecessary hospital referrals. These management plans not only prevented undue strain on hospital resources but also empowered GPs with reference points for future similar cases, contributing to enhanced patient care and education.

The project's success has led to its permanent implementation at the hospital. Specialists from the National Consultant Network now proactively review referrals upon arrival, thus proactively preventing the formation of backlogs.

The project's impact is quantified as follows:

• All 1,001 patients on the waiting list were successfully triaged in less than two months.
• 510 patients (51 per cent) avoided unnecessary referrals.
• 20 patients (2 per cent) received urgent hospital appointments through fast-tracking.
• 471 patients (47 per cent) were directed to appropriate routine appointments.

Jonathan Patrick, CEO of Consultant Connect, expressed satisfaction with the project's success: “It’s very pleasing that the seven-week project has proven to be so successful. We’re particularly happy that the tech will now be used to prevent long waiting lists. The waiting lists crisis is the greatest emergency facing the NHS, and we’re happy that our tech is helping to make processes as efficient as possible. Kettering General Hospital is at the forefront of using healthcare technology to fight this crisis and making patients their priority.”

Deborah Needham, CEO of Kettering General Hospital, echoed these sentiments, stating: “This project has been a game-changer for us. It’s meant that 1,000 patients are now getting the treatment and care they need instead of dealing with the stress and uncertainty that comes with waiting for an appointment. The project has also reduced the pressure on our neurology specialists by making sure patients being referred to the department actually need to be there, while ensuring the most urgent patient cases are prioritised. We are keen to build on this project so it becomes part of normal business for us. We’ve seen the huge effect that Consultant Connect has had on reducing our waiting lists, and are keen for it to continue. Other Trusts should consider health tech like this to help address their waiting lists.”

This groundbreaking initiative underscores the transformative potential of technology in healthcare, not only in enhancing patient outcomes but also in streamlining the delivery of essential services. As healthcare institutions continue to face unprecedented challenges, innovative solutions such as those implemented at Kettering General Hospital offer a beacon of hope for the future of healthcare delivery.