Steve Petter took the position of Operations Manager at Elite Medical in January 2024. Initially his role was to support the inclusion of the specialist areas of both mental health services and young people within the Secure Services that Elite already offered. Today he covers the bulk of their PTS operations.
Steve had worked in ambulance services for twelve years, predominantly in PTS, and had proven capability in coordinating a medical transportation service. Today he is a strong advocate of the benefits of Apex PTS software. However, before joining Elite Medical he had neither used it or heard of it.
Steve had faced challenges with unsatisfactory software in previous jobs, and Elite had already made the decision to use Apex PTS prior to Steve’s appointment. Often new systems can take time to master, but Steve took to it instantly. “There’s a lot of software out there. It can get far too complicated,” he says. “For me, the most important thing is that Apex works.”
Steve immediately appreciated the solutions that Apex had developed. He has to capture a lot of information, including patient details; now he can also create forms himself. An example of how it aids smooth operations is its colour-coding. Once in the system, job dispatch and status are clearly signalled. From ‘job waiting’ to ‘enroute’ and every stage to completion, a glance at the screen assures him that things are on track. “I know how long the job should take,” Steve explains. “If it stays yellow for too long, it’s time to check up.”
Elite also provides event cover, and Apex PTS means that Steve can set up medical and observation forms. Easily deliverable for paramedics, they also result in “perfect audits”.
Steve recognises that amongst 250+ employees (and an additional 100 self-employed as bank) a few people will be reluctant to embrace new technology. In reality, he found that they were soon ready to accept it as the best solution. After the first hurdles they got used to it very quickly, and soon appreciated the seamless safety and information it provides. The fact that it is has ironed out errors and increased efficiency, from management down to staff on the ground, has been good for everyone. “Everything we need,” says Steve, “in a price bracket that works for us.
Additional positive outcomes for Elite Medical:
Messaging
You need full concentration with secure patients. Phone usage takes attention away from the situation and makes it impossible to communicate in a subtle manner. Discrete messaging via an Apex PDA allows a non-intrusive fast exchange of sensitive information. It can help de-escalate a situation and is safer.
Data driven KPIs
Elite Medical uses data to measure key performance indicators. Factors include how long vehicles are on the road, mileage, patient turnaround and how long it takes to pick up. It also highlights what is cost effective. Elite plan to apply this analysis to a new base it has set up to ensure that is viable.
Metrics
The NHS, CQC and health providers have particular metrics to measure and assess. Apex PTS can be used to extract metrics from journey time and patient turnaround to specifics such a gender ratio of male to female staff and also patients.
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