Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAH) engaged St. Vincent’s to provide expert support for their Electronic Patient Record (EPR) Programme Assurance. Our mission was to ensure the successful implementation of the EPR system by addressing operational challenges and embedding a robust long-term strategic plan.

During the EPR implementation, PAH navigated several challenges that highlighted opportunities for enhancing programme strategy and operational readiness. A key focus was the development of a comprehensive sustainment plan to guarantee the system’s long-term effectiveness. Additionally, the Trust faced capacity constraints in managing the demands of the programme, particularly during critical deployment stages. These complexities underscored the need for external expertise to deliver assurance, strategic guidance, and operational support.

St. Vincent’s provided tailored consultancy services designed to meet the Trust's specific needs. Our approach included:

• Programme Assurance: We conducted regular progress reviews and risk assessments, ensuring that potential challenges were identified and addressed promptly. For instance, we highlighted the need for a detailed sustainment model and are helping the Trust formulate a business plan for this.

"The gap in the sustainment model wasn't just a challenge; it was an opportunity to craft a long-term strategy to ensure their digital investment delivers value over its lifespan."- Mandy Rayner, Luminary Advisor, StV

"St. Vincent’s support helped us not just to go-live, but to think ahead about how to maintain and build on the system we’ve implemented."- Phil Holland, CIO, PAH

• Stakeholder Alignment: Acting as mediators, we facilitated collaboration between PAH and their EPR supplier to resolve conflicts and improve communication. By providing an independent perspective, we helped bridge differences and ensured alignment on critical deliverables, such as data migration and testing protocols.

• Capacity Building: Recognising PAH’s resource constraints, we took on key responsibilities to alleviate pressure on their internal teams. For example, we reviewed and updated their risk register and delivered high-level documentation to satisfy board-level scrutiny, allowing internal teams to focus on deployment activities.

"Sometimes, the value isn't in doing what others are capable of but in creating headspace—taking tasks off their plate so they can focus on critical priorities."- Mandy Rayner, Luminary Advisor, StV

• Knowledge Sharing: Leveraging our experience with other NHS Trusts, we provided PAH with proven templates and engagement strategies to accelerate their progress. This approach minimised the need to build solutions from scratch, saving time and effort.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: When PAH encountered unexpected challenges, such as data quality issues and operational bottlenecks, we adjusted our approach to provide immediate, practical support. This adaptability ensured that progress was not delayed during critical milestones.

" St. Vincent’s insight, dependable presence and reminders about our key areas of focus were instrumental in driving success throughout the process."- Phil Holland, CIO, PAH

"They adapted their support to what we needed rather than sticking to a set plan, which helped us address our specific challenges.”- Phil Holland, CIO, PAH

By focusing on these areas, we addressed PAH’s immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustained EPR success.

Our partnership with PAH delivered tangible results.

• The Trust successfully launched the EPR system with minimal delay, resolving early challenges and aligning stakeholders. This timely go-live avoided additional programme costs and accelerated the realisation of benefits—a key success recognised by PAH.
• We helped develop a robust sustainment plan and establishing a clear roadmap for the system's ongoing evolution.
• By managing key tasks, we alleviated capacity constraints, enabling PAH’s internal teams to focus on priority areas.
• Our flexibility, expertise, and collaborative approach were instrumental in achieving both immediate and long-term benefits for the Trust.
• PAH leadership acknowledged our role in the programme's success, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner in delivering high-impact consultancy services.