The Digital Transformation of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – and the Hardware Behind It
Who Are MFT?
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) was formed following the merger of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust comprises 10 hospitals, including North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester Royal Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospital.
The Project
In September 2022 MFT introduced a Trust-wide Electronic Patient Record (EPR) solution called Hive which is powered by Epic software. The project represents the Trust's largest digital transformation to date and aims to revolutionise the way the Trust provides healthcare to patients by bringing all IT and patient record systems together.
MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country, making Hive one of the most ambitious projects in recent NHS history.
Hive has been designed to streamline hundreds of varied systems across MFT's estate, bringing all patient records into a single solution. This project will improve standards of patient care at all MFT hospitals and will allow staff to spend more time caring for patients.
Dr Tim Ferris, NHS Director for Transformation, said:
"This bold project will revolutionise patient care and staff experience across ten hospitals, demonstrating the transformative potential of electronic patient record systems."
Selecting the Right Hardware
Bar Code Data supplied a wide range of hardware products for the Hive project and, from previous experience working with other Trusts on large EPR deployments, used their knowledge and expertise to recommend products that would be best suited and were proven in similar applications.
As a Premier Healthcare Zebra partner, Bar Code Data recommended Zebra products due to their robustness, reliability and ongoing support.
A suite of Zebra devices was loaned to MFT to test with their new EPR, including mobile printers, desktop printers, wristband printers and a selection of barcode scanners.
Care was taken to select hardware that was appropriate for individual environments and applications. For example, laboratories print labels that need to adhere to slides; this requires specialised chemical-resistant labels and ribbons. Bar Code Data's experienced healthcare team therefore recommended hardware, media and supplies according to their usage and environment.
The ultimate goal was to ensure Hive could be implemented across the Trust as quickly and effectively as possible while minimising disruption and delivering a smooth transition.
As with the supply of any hardware in post-pandemic times, the global chip shortage and unavoidable delays to manufacturing caused inevitable supply chain issues during the hardware provisioning process. However, Bar Code Data ensured the lines of communication remained open with suppliers, allowing MFT to be kept up to date with weekly calls.
Despite supply issues, the project was delivered on time.
A Tailored Approach
As with any large project, there was an element of customisation required to ensure MFT's unique needs were met.
For example, MFT wanted to locate desktop printers in situ on Intensive Care Unit beds. To ensure the Trust received exactly the solution they required, Bar Code Data called in partners Kinetic ID who manufactured bespoke shelves to accommodate the printers.
Kinetic ID also produced bespoke desktop brackets for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
"The ability for Bar Code Data to call in trusted experts to produce solutions for even our most bespoke demands is what sets them apart from other hardware suppliers. Their consultative approach to problem solving adds immeasurable value over and above the simple supply of hardware."
Jenny Armstrong
Head of Programmes & Hive Technical Programme Lead
The Result
Bar Code Data supplied over 8,000 units of hardware across MFT, including Zebra printers, scanners, associated accessories and consumables.
Due to the size of the project, Zebra Print Profile Manager was provided to enable MFT to manage their estate of Zebra printers supplied as part of this project.
"Embracing technology is central to advancing the health care we provide and Hive will improve patient safety and experience across all our hospitals for years to come."
Jane Eddleston
Group Medical Director
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