Achieving cost savings and improved performance in the NHS: A data-driven path to sustainable success

Open Access News Health & Social Care Achieving cost savings and improved performance in the NHS: A data-driven path to sustainable success April 30, 2025 Image: © Drazen Zigic | iStock In this article, Gareth Jenkins from Changeology Group Ltd examines how data-driven methodologies – supported by real NHS case studies – can foster meaningful, sustainable change NHS Trusts today face the dual challenge of improving patient outcomes while managing constrained budgets. This balancing act can seem daunting, as many assume that improving service quality requires increased investment. However, data-driven approaches to operational efficiency can help Trusts enhance performance and reduce costs simultaneously.

By optimising operations, aligning resources, and leveraging analytical insights, Trusts can make measurable improvements without additional financial strain. This article explores how data-led methodologies – backed by real NHS case studies – can drive meaningful, sustainable change. The challenge: Balancing costs and performance in the NHS Across the NHS, increasing patient demand, financial constraints, and long waiting lists continue to place immense pressure on healthcare providers.



However, cost savings and quality improvements do not have to be at odds. By taking a strategic approach, Trusts can unlock productivity gains within their existing workforce and resources. A common challenge is that traditional capacity and demand planning often fails to fully account for productivity improvements that can be made within current staffing structures.

Operational inefficiencies – such as suboptimal scheduling, delayed starts, and underutilised capacity – can significantly impact performance. Addressing these inefficiencies presents a substantial opportunity to improve service delivery without additional investment. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS Trusts initially prioritised recovery efforts, but we’re now seeing an equal focus on long-term operational improvements.

Our clients are increasingly looking for solutions that not only deliver immediate cost savings but also build sustainable efficiencies into their day-to-day operations.” Gareth Jenkins, Partner at Changeology Data-driven solutions: Introducing the Current State Analysis (CSA) One of the most effective ways to identify operational improvement opportunities is through a Current State Analysis (CSA). This diagnostic process allows NHS Trusts to pinpoint inefficiencies across departments – ranging from patient flow challenges to underutilised resources – enabling data-backed decision-making.

Key components of CSA: Scoping requirements: Defining goals, challenges, and success metrics in collaboration with Trust leadership. Data and process mapping: Gathering quantitative and qualitative data to identify bottlenecks, workforce utilisation issues, and inefficiencies. Risk and contingency planning: Mitigating potential risks by ensuring any proposed changes support service continuity and financial stability.

For example, a recent NHS case study revealed that inefficiencies in catheter labs – including late starts affecting over 40% of procedures and underutilisation of up to 52% of available time – were limiting capacity. Addressing these issues alone could increase procedure volumes by 500 annually without requiring additional resources. From insights to action: Implementing the Management Operating System (MOS) Once the CSA has provided a clear understanding of operational inefficiencies, the next step is turning insights into action.

This is where the Management Operating System (MOS) plays a critical role. How MOS drives improvement: Tailored solutions: Improvement plans are developed based on CSA findings, addressing specific bottlenecks within the organisation. Operational and financial alignment: The MOS framework ensures that process enhancements align with both clinical priorities and financial sustainability.

Breaking down silos: The structured approach fosters cross-departmental collaboration, reducing inefficiencies caused by fragmented workflows. By embedding a continuous improvement culture, Trusts can sustain these enhancements over the long term. Leveraging technology: Advanced analytics and simulation modelling Technology plays a crucial role in NHS operational efficiency.

Advanced analytics and simulation modelling provide powerful tools to test, predict, and refine resource allocation strategies before implementation. Key benefits: Predicting outcomes: Simulation models enable NHS leaders to evaluate different staffing configurations or scheduling changes in a risk-free environment before real-world application. Data-driven decision-making: Real-time dashboards provide ongoing visibility into key performance metrics, ensuring agile, informed decision-making.

By leveraging technology, Trusts can proactively adapt to evolving demands, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. “The Haematology-Oncology Day Unit (HODU) project at Airedale Hospital (An HSJ award-winning project in 2024) demonstrated the transformative power of predictive analytics in NHS operations. By leveraging data-driven simulation models, we optimised patient scheduling, reduced wait times by 30%, and cut overtime by 65%.

This technology empowers Trusts to make informed decisions, adapt to evolving demands, and deliver exceptional patient care with existing resources.” Dee Osman, Operations Director at Changeology Case study one: Boosting throughput and reducing costs in Blackpool Teaching Hospitals In Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, the application of CSA and the implementation of MOS led to significant improvements in both clinical performance and financial outcomes. Key achievements: 14% increase in procedural throughput in elective theatres.

39% rise in pre-operative assessment throughput, reducing wait times and improving patient care. £828,000 annual cost savings through process streamlining and resource optimisation. By improving theatre scheduling and operational workflows, Blackpool successfully increased efficiency while reducing costs.

Case study two: Transforming theatres at Airedale General Hospital At Airedale General Hospital, the MOS framework drove substantial efficiency gains without additional staffing. Key achievements: 6% increase in elective procedures through better theatre scheduling and resource utilisation. 15% reduction in waiting lists, enabling faster patient access to care.

£1.3 million annual productivity gains, achieved without additional staff or resources. The success of this project was recognised by the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025, where Airedale General Hospital and Changeology were named finalists in five categories.

Overcoming real-world challenges in implementation Implementing operational improvements in large healthcare organisations presents challenges. However, effective change management strategies can help navigate these complexities. Key considerations: Managing resistance to change: Early stakeholder engagement and transparent communication ensure buy-in across all levels.

Ensuring data accuracy: Close collaboration with Trust IT teams guarantees that decisions are based on clean, reliable data. Breaking down organisational silos: The MOS framework promotes cross-functional collaboration, ensuring alignment across departments. By proactively addressing these challenges, Trusts can accelerate and sustain improvements.

Long-term benefits: Beyond cost savings While the financial impact of these approaches is significant, the benefits extend far beyond cost savings. Lasting advantages: Improved patient outcomes: Reduced wait times and optimised processes lead to better patient experiences and outcomes. Increased staff satisfaction: Streamlined workflows improve working conditions, boosting morale and retention.

A culture of continuous improvement: By embedding structured methodologies, Trusts become more resilient to future challenges. A sustainable NHS through operational excellence Achieving cost savings and performance improvements is not an either-or proposition. Through data-driven methodologies such as Current State Analysis (CSA) and the Management Operating System (MOS), NHS Trusts can enhance efficiency, optimise patient care, and ensure long-term sustainability.

As the NHS continues to evolve, Trusts that embrace evidence-based, data-led strategies will be best positioned to meet growing demands – delivering high-quality care without financial compromise. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Print Tags Contributor Profile Data NHS OAG 046 - April 2025 Stakeholder Tags SH - Changeology Group Contributor Details Gareth Jenkins Partner Changeology Group Ltd Phone: +44 (0)141 280 9211 [email protected] https://www.

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