⚡ Quick Summary
X-on Health, a leading provider of digital telephony solutions for GP practices, has acquired Hanley Consulting. This strategic move aims to enhance technology, data analytics, and expert services for GP surgeries across the UK, ultimately addressing the notorious 8am rush for appointments.
💡 Key Features and Benefits
- 🔑 Widespread Adoption: X-on Health’s Surgery Connect platform is utilized by over half of GP surgeries in England, handling an average of 330 calls per practice each day, with 23% occurring before 9am.
- ⚙️ Process Optimization: Hanley Consulting specializes in improving patient access by streamlining processes, allowing surgeries to better manage demand with existing tools.
- 📊 Enhanced Patient Experience: The integration of Hanley’s expertise is expected to reduce call volumes and increase the use of the NHS App, relieving pressure on reception teams.
👩⚕️ Leadership Insights
Julian Coe, Managing Director at X-on Health, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Hanley Consulting to our team. Their intellectual property will significantly contribute to our mission of alleviating the 8am rush for GP appointments.”
📅 Implementation and Results
- Independent research highlighted that Hanley’s EDATT virtual support assistant successfully reduced inbound calls and boosted NHS App usage, allowing reception teams to manage demand more effectively.
- Case studies, such as Tudor Lodge Health Centre in London, reported a 54% decrease in calls during the morning rush after implementing the EDATT solution.
🚀 Future Developments
- The latest version of the EDATT assistant, set to be rebranded as Surgery Assist, was launched at Best Practice Birmingham in October 2024.
- Sharon Hanley, Managing Director at Hanley Consulting, emphasized the importance of combining technology, people, and processes to enhance patient access and reduce the morning rush.
🏥 Broader Context
In April 2024, NHS England announced the rollout of upgraded phone technology at GP practices across England as part of the GP access recovery plan, further supporting efforts to improve patient access and reduce appointment congestion.