![The team in the integrated coordination centre](https://www.nth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/bis-images/5699/integrated-coordination-centre-800x450-f50_50.jpg)
A new state-of-the-art integrated coordination centre is helping the improved flow of patients through the University Hospital of North Tees.
Our Trust has launched its integrated coordination centre – to track patients through every step of their hospital journey.
The new room is the base for a team of highly skilled staff from a wide variety of different roles. It is based in the centre of the hospital.
It is where decisions are made to help the flow of patients from the moment they enter hospital to when they leave.
The room, opened last month, uses a new system known as OPTICA – optimised patient tracking and intelligent choices application.
This includes real-time data of activity such as:
- Demand for beds
- Number of patients in hospital
- Number of beds available.
All are displayed on virtual dashboards in the integrated coordination centre and accessible to all members of the team.
Vicky Cardona is the Trust’s continuous improvement manager. She said: “This new room allows us to see a live picture of all activity within our two hospital sites.
“This information is available virtually for all our experienced staff in the control centre – a site manager is responsible for any operational decisions.
“This new system means the team can make accurate decisions about each patient based on the most up to date and accurate information.”
Team meetings – known as huddles – take place every morning in each ward areas. These are also attended by a member of the control centre team.
Vicky added: “There is a comprehensive meeting structure in place to communicate key information, make effective decisions, build relationships, and escalate as appropriate.
“Thanks to the accurate information the OPTICA system gives, the team can confidently make quick decisions, problem solve and escalate any issues.
“The co-ordination centre means all intelligence is in one place – underpinned by trust, open communications and respect between team members. This includes regular communications with colleagues outside the organisation includes in social care and primary care.”