NHS trusts are under increasing pressure to improve operational efficiency, comply with regulations, and enhance patient safety in the face of resource constraints. SMS Technology provides solutions aimed at addressing these challenges
NHS trusts are under growing pressure to improve operational efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and enhance patient safety – all while managing resource constraints and sustainability targets. With fragmented digital systems, increasing administrative burdens on staff, and the need for greater traceability of medical supplies, trusts require smart, future-proof solutions. SMS Technology’s operational management software, now available on the G-Cloud 14 framework and GS1 Approved, provides an innovative and easily procured platform designed to address these challenges.
Key challenges faced by NHS Trusts
Staffing pressures and administrative burden
Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, spend excessive time on administrative tasks such as compliance reporting, auditing, and resource tracking, time that could be better spent on patient care. On average, NHS staff lose up to four hours per week to manual record-keeping, contributing to burnout and low morale. The NHS needs solutions that streamline workflows and free up staff to focus on their clinical responsibilities.
Maintaining CQC compliance
Ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations is a significant challenge for NHS trusts. Paper-based audits and manual tracking make it difficult to monitor compliance in real-time, leaving trusts vulnerable to issues when inspections arise. A digital approach is necessary to ensure ongoing compliance and immediate access to regulatory data.
Fragmented systems and poor data visibility
Many NHS trusts struggle with disconnected IT systems across departments, making it difficult to access, share, and analyse critical operational data. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, duplicated efforts, and gaps in reporting, which can delay decision-making and impact patient care.
Scan for safety and supply chain visibility
The NHS Scan for Safety initiative, supported by GS1 standards, is transforming patient safety and inventory management by ensuring every medical product and piece of equipment is traceable through barcode scanning. However, many trusts still lack the technology infrastructure to integrate GS1 barcode tracking effectively, leading to inefficiencies, stock shortages, and patient safety risks due to incorrect product use.
Sustainability and waste reduction
With NHS trusts working towards net-zero emissions by 2045, reducing paper waste, optimising resource usage, and improving supply chain efficiency are now operational priorities. Digital solutions that replace outdated, paper-based processes can help trusts meet environmental targets while cutting costs.
Procurement complexities
Acquiring new technology can be time-consuming due to complex procurement regulations. NHS trusts need access to solutions that meet government standards, ensure value for money, and can be implemented quickly.
How SMS Technology addresses these challenges
Reducing administrative burden and staff burnout
SMS Technology’s software automates time-consuming tasks such as compliance documentation, audits, and operational tracking. By digitising these processes, it saves NHS staff an average of four hours per week, reducing stress and allowing more time for patient care. The mobile-friendly design ensures ease of use, making day-to-day tasks more manageable and improving staff morale.
Real-time CQC compliance tracking
SMS Technology digitises CQC compliance audits, providing trusts with real-time insights into their regulatory status. The system generates internal compliance ratings based on up-to-date data, helping administrators identify areas needing improvement before official inspections. Customisable dashboards and audit trails ensure full visibility over compliance efforts, making CQC audits smoother and reducing the risk of regulatory penalties.
Breaking down silos with open API and data integration
The software features an open API, allowing seamless integration with existing NHS digital infrastructure and third-party applications. It can pull data from NHS data lakes, consolidating information into customisable dashboards for a unified view of operations. This integration eliminates data silos, improves cross-department communication, and enables better decision-making.
GS1 approval and supporting scan for safety
SMS Technology is now GS1 Approved, aligning with NHS Scan for Safety initiatives to enhance patient safety and supply chain management. This approval means the software meets GS1’s rigorous global standards for product traceability and barcode scanning.
Through Scan for Safety, NHS trusts can:
- Track medical devices, medications,
and equipment using GS1 barcodes - Reduce errors by ensuring the right patient receives the right treatment
- Improve supply chain efficiency by monitoring stock levels in real-time
- Prevent product recalls by linking every item to a unique barcode SMS Technology integrates GS1 barcode scanning into its software, enabling trusts to:
- Digitally track inventory and medical
supplies, reducing loss and waste - Ensure full compliance with NHS Scan for Safety guidelines
- Enhance patient safety by automating product verification at the point of care
Helping NHS trusts meet sustainability goals
- The transition to paperless processes with SMS Technology’s digital platform reduces waste and lowers carbon footprints. As a net-zero company, SMS Technology ensures its solutions do not contribute to Scope 3 emissions and provides analytics to help trusts track and quantify sustainability improvements
Easy procurement via G-Cloud 14
SMS Technology is listed on the G-Cloud 14 framework, simplifying procurement for NHS trusts. G-Cloud 14 offers:
- Pre-approved, government-vetted suppliers, ensuring quality and security compliance
- Faster purchasing processes, reducing procurement delays
- Transparent pricing, eliminating hidden costs. This means trusts can adopt SMS Technology quickly and efficiently, bypassing lengthy tendering procedures and ensuring immediate access to a proven, NHS-ready solution
Key benefits of SMS Technology
- Saves time: Automates compliance
tracking, saving staff up to four hours per week - Ensures compliance: Real-time CQC monitoring reduces audit risks
- Eliminates data silos: Open API integration provides a unified operational view
- Enhances safety: GS1 barcode tracking supports NHS Scan for Safety
- Reduces waste: Paperless processes contribute to NHS sustainability goals
- Easier procurement: Available on G-Cloud 14 for quick, compliant purchasing.
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