South Central Ambulance Service partners with Allocate Software

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with Allocate Software to replace its legacy electronic workforce management systems.

The trust (SCAS) will install Allocate’s HealthRoster Platform to bring together the multiple rostering systems currently in place.

The upgrade of its workforce management systems will mean the trust is better able to support its response to patients; can improve the management and reporting of worked hours; support legal compliance with Working Time Directives; and align pay and rostering systems into a single system for all staff groups, according to the trust.

The move to Allocate – which was acquired by RLDatix this summer – will modernise the current situation of three disparate systems used to roster the substantive, private provider, bank and agency staff.

It is hoped the the single integrated platform will resolve some of the inconsistencies the trust currently experiences around resources and aligning working processes across multiple NHS environments.

The trust is tasked with handling frontline operations and clinical coordination centres for 999, NHS 111 and patient transport services across four counties. It also provides patient transport services across Surrey and Sussex, thanks to its 3,300-strong workforce.

Steve West, director of planning and performance forecasting for the trust, said “This is a great opportunity to further develop our systems, for the benefit of our staff and of course our patients across all our services. In doing so improving and streamlining our process allowing us to better plan our resources.”

Staff within SCAS will also have access to a workforce and engagement app which is fully integrated with the HealthRoster platform. Loop will give staff greater visibility and control over their working hours. It will also provide a more connected engagement experience, as staff can interact with messages and content at an organisation, team and peer level.

Nick Wilson, CEO of Allocate said: “Ambulance trusts have always been under a lot of pressure and nevermore so than during the recent pandemic. Yet, they manage to deliver an amazing service that helps their communities and saves lives on a daily basis.

“Allocate is truly proud to work with SCAS and bring them fit-for-the-future technology that will help the trust manage their workforce effectively, enable staff to get a better work experience and ensure that they are compensated for all of their hours worked.”