Master Vendor Engagement Model Case Study
National Healthcare Provision in Ireland
Overview
Healthcare provision in Ireland is centrally managed on behalf of all hospitals across the republic. As a result of the global financial crisis in 2010, the health service’s original agency agreement of five contractors, of which Global Medics was one, was replaced with a master vendor service offering.
This new offering would cover a suite of engagement models including long term placements and short term rapid supply and would be across all grades and specialties.
Ireland’s national requirements were separated into three lots, based on regions, and the tender process aimed to identify a master vendor for each lot. In March 2011, Global Medics was awarded Lot 3: Southern Ireland, which includes 20 hospitals.
Workforce methodology
As master vendor, our implementation plan engages equally with all hospitals, whether remote or city-based. By identifying the key stakeholders in each hospital we mapped the booking procedure and requirements through regular meetings and usage reviews and put in place an effective plan of action.
At a time when healthcare delivery in Ireland was under increasing pressure and with an estimated 70% of doctors from overseas, continuity and consistency in supply, along with standards of clinical excellence, were of paramount importance.
- We built dedicated regional pools of locums based on our client’s historical usage, perceived future requirements and pressure points.
- Within three months we had achieved supply in excess of 99% across all grades and specialties. With support provided from our UK operations, we agreed a cascade process to a second-tier agency for supply, as part of our contingency planning.
- We agreed practices for working together, including contractual obligations and standards of excellence, which were reviewed on a weekly basis.
- We agreed to work in partnership as a second-tier provider to this agency for Lots 1 and 2.
Management and delivery of our services
To ensure that our client’s requirements were fully met in terms of quality, costs and timely delivery of our services, the following was implemented:
- We agreed the objectives and performance benchmarks, including response times, fill rates and reporting requirements with the client.
- In order to meet the client’s principal driver of cost reduction, the contract was managed by a fixed-rate card, directed by the client.
- By managing our supply profile through nearly 100% direct supply and incorporating pay reductions, we have been able to secure tangible cost reductions compared to previous supply.
- Additional cost savings have been made by offering a suite of engagement models at a lower base cost. We mapped our procedures including response times, fill rates and customer feedback. This is reviewed on a weekly basis between the dedicated account manager and account director. Any variances identified result in immediate corrective action.
- Performance delivery and any escalated issues are reported to the client on a monthly basis.
- Adherence to compliance standards is monitored by the client through quarterly audit reviews. To date, we have achieved a 100% pass rate.
Selection process for locum doctors
To guarantee that the client received high quality, qualified and relevant locums:
- The recruitment and selection of suitable doctors includes interviewing all candidates, completing the compliance registration process and reference checks.
- To meet the client’s requirements for speciality doctors we completed the compliance process for suitable candidates located in our international operations. By continually tracking their availability, we can immediately respond to any of our client’s needs.
- We implemented a bespoke client approval process whereby we forward all candidates with an audited CV, their last two references and a copy of their ‘right to work’ records confirming compliance requirements, which the client can access via our online portal.
- This process ensures that the client can approve doctors swiftly and effectively whilst being able to meet their own internal due diligence procedure.
- On completion of each assignment lasting longer than five days, our client control process forwards quality assessments for feedback on the performance of our locums. This feedback and the doctors’ own experiences form an integral part of their appraisal and career development process.