Now you're probably wondering why on earth I would be ‘selling' or promoting the Lean Healthcare Academy on my blog, after all you're already on the LHA website? You never know but you might also be thinking that perhaps my Boss has paid me a glorious bonus to write my wonderfully compelling blog? The answer is actually far more compelling.

There are lots of organisations out there that are quite capable to support you with Lean implementation - and yes there are some very good ones too. The reason I want to talk about the LHA (Lean Healthcare Academy) is that it has a very unique approach to Lean.

1. One size does not fit all. I think that it is fair to say that many NHS Trusts are now becoming more savvy with regards to Lean, what it means and what they can expect from it. At the LHA we know that every individual Trust will be different; therefore, our membership offer is structured in such a way that it allows our customer to create a package that is best for them.
2. Our immediate objective is to understand your issues and concerns. ‘Well that's obvious' I hear you cry. Well actually it isn't. In my experience of Lean I have encountered many Lean providers wanting to help me but really just pushing their products which, by the way, will solve all my problems what ever they are and where ever they might be! The LHA ‘diagnostics session' is a brilliant example of the LHA understanding the needs of the customer and then proposing an almost bespoke solution to his/her requirements.
3. Process Flow Analysis. The LHA's method of process mapping is probably the best example I have come across in a healthcare setting. What makes it so wonderful? Well its main strength is that it assumes nothing and using a multi disciplinary team approach allows the process experts, i.e. the people that do the job / task on a daily basis, to define the current state. As discussed in a previous blog don't expect waste to ‘stand around waving a red flag shouting "I'm here!"'. Once the current state map is complete the team then develop, define and agree a future state map, i.e. a vision of how they want the process to look tomorrow. This is a powerful and extremely effective technique as it is led by the people that know and understand the process the best.
4. We are nice guys! Yes I know what you're thinking - you already know that we are nice guys. Joking aside we do our best to make sure that our workshops / training sessions are informative and effective. My colleagues Mark Richardson, Paul Brady and I make a point of creating a blame free environment where there are no such things as daft questions.

In short I think that I am justified in saying that with the LHA you are in safe hands and with a partner that is intent on delivering tangible process improvement that best suits YOUR needs! So whether its 18 Weeks, Productive Ward, Capacity constraints or specific Pathway problems that are keeping you awake at night; make a smart move and contact us here at the LHA.

 By the way, my award for Lean Heroes of the Week goes to the PCM's at Bradford Council Residential Care Homes and to the Facilities Management team that successfully created a future state map to ensure an improved service between the two departments - Well done team......