Implementing a 7-day stoma care service: an impact assessment

Abstract

In light of NHS England's recommendation to create a 7-day NHS, the colorectal and stoma care service at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust piloted a 7-day service. Combined colorectal/stoma care nursing roles were separated into dedicated roles; a holistic enhanced-recovery care pathway was implemented; and partial and full weekend working patterns for nurses was trialled. A comparative study assessed the efficacy of the changes. After implementation, stoma patients had a statistically significant 2-day average reduction in length of stay and an increase in the number of weekend discharges was noted. This reduction in length of stay represents a potential saving of over £150 000 for the Trust and the NHS. Although the impact of other concurrent service changes should be taken into account, this suggests that a 7-day service is a financially viable option.