Future-proofing workforce software solutions for the NHS
Nawel Badsi,
Head of Marketing
Innovations in workforce solutions are traditionally led by simplifying digital processes. But, at Locum’s Nest, we have more of a forward thinking approach. Our solutions are leading the way in interoperability, rostering and flexible working. But perhaps most importantly, they are supporting the wellbeing of our users.
Our total workforce software doesn’t simply digitise processes - it turns them into lifestyle experiences.
Which is the core reason behind our very own Dr Ahmed Shahrabani’s honourable recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2021 for his role as one of the Co-Founders at Locum’s Nest. Ahmed has been recognised as one of Forbes’ science and healthcare leaders destined to shape their field in the next 50 years. 2020 highlighted the great flaws in global healthcare systems but, these young healthcare and science leaders and the companies they work for have stepped up to the plate to shine light in the darkness. The Locum’s Nest team’s relentless work in providing solutions for NHS staff to work flexibly was also recognised by The Telegraph’s ‘Top 5 Ideas to save the NHS’ and The Drum / Major Players ‘Major Innovation’ Award.
Here we share how Locum’s Nest is future-proofing workforce software and the elements that bind our forward-thinking approach.
From simple process digitisation to lifestyle focus
When Locum’s Nest launched in 2015, our two Co-Founders, Dr Ahmed Shahrabani and Dr Nicholas Andreou, were set on trying to help the NHS solve a complex staffing puzzle that was costing our healthcare millions of pounds. Wards were dangerously understaffed with thousands of doctors experiencing severe burnout. But through our technology, we were able to digitise hospital staff banks, allowing doctors and GPs to effortlessly manage their schedules whilst matching nearly one million professionals to vacant shifts in the NHS.
Digitising this system was the first step for us. Fast forward to 2021, and we no longer see ‘processes’ in the traditional way. As we continue to shape the workforce software solution field, we’re entering a new era where those digital processes are now becoming lifestyle processes and are making a difference to the individual lives of NHS staff.
To achieve this, we’ve taken a holistic approach to workforce software. Our six innovative products are a bespoke offering in the healthcare technology industry, each seamlessly taking users through the journeys of rostering, bank shifts, flexible working and finally to a wider network of wellbeing partners.
Supporting user wellbeing through partnerships
Our mission remains to support the wellbeing of our healthcare professionals through flexibility, providing solutions so that they can stay in the jobs they love. In the last six years, we’ve developed thoughtful partnerships with a number of exceptional organisations to make our products even more valuable for our NHS people.
Earlier this year we announced a collaboration with The Nourish App, a digital self-care toolkit and support system that empowers parents to look after their mental health. After finding the app incredibly helpful during the pandemic, our very own Strategic Planner, Dr Maryam Tariq, spotted an opportunity to have a big impact on NHS parents who continue to face ongoing challenges in caring for others as well as themselves. We’re therefore delighted that today all Locum’s Nest users have free premium access to The Nourish App’s exceptional range of content tailored specifically to the needs of busy parents.
“We felt that it was important to do what we could to support people who are completely stretched from caring for others, to consider how to take care of themselves too. So we are delighted to partner with Locum’s Nest, a trusted partner to hundreds of hospitals and thousands of health workers, to reach out to these incredible and inspiring parents.” — Sara Campin, founder of The Nourish App
We were also proud to partner with TEDxNHS this year, a unique movement that showcases some of the often less-heard voices in our healthcare system, bringing together people to share aspirations and inspire positive change. Founded by two junior doctors in 2016, the independently organised event is run by NHS volunteers from across the UK. Whilst the 2020 event was postponed to allow the team to focus on the Covid-19 response, TEDxNHS Unlocked was launched, a new online experience that aimed to break down walls between professions, organisations and cultures. Ideas were shared in a new and exciting way - especially during a pandemic - and the Locum’s Nest team were delighted to support the spread of hopeful and inspirational stories to our NHS community.
NHS teams can also share their achievements in our partnership with the Healthcare People Management Association. Locum’s Nest are proud sponsors of the HPMA HR Analytics Excellence in People Awards, a celebration of the work of NHS Human Resources & Organisational Development teams. The award recognises how the analysis of workforce data delivers insight, which generates action, leading to better decision-making leading to safer staffed wards and improved patient care. Teams and individuals can submit their achievements before 25th May.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Locum’s Nest as the exclusive sponsor for the HR Analytics Award 2021. At HPMA, we believe no one is back office as workforce professionals are central to everything within organisations. Never has it been so important to recognise and celebrate our achievements, showcasing our profession as the cornerstone of supportive and empowering cultures we need as we move from the management of the pandemic to the recovery of our people and our services. This is truly an opportunity to shine for any NHS Workforce Team. Please encourage colleagues to enter and nominate others. Please be proud and shout loud.” — Nicky Ingham, HPMA Executive Director
User-centric philosophy
Our lifestyle approach to the entire Locum’s Nest workforce software solution is also visible through our user-centric philosophy. Whilst functionality is key to the success of our technology, we design our product suite with user experience front of mind. Healthcare professionals are tech-savvy individuals - just like consumers, they deserve innovative apps and platforms that promote enjoyable usability. After all, the process of booking shifts doesn’t need to be boring!
For this reason, our digital staff bank apps are more than a sterile HR-management solution; instead we treat our software products as if they were consumer apps. In-app communication, staff articles, shift sharing and an anonymous feedback forum allow a more meaningful user experience and opportunity to nurture an engaged online community.
Our innovations in interoperability are also borne out of the relentless pursuit of user satisfaction, allowing users to switch between different software platforms without interrupting their flow. This is the case for users of Locum’s Nest Link, the nation’s first interoperability hub for the NHS which connects all core workforce software into one function.
We maintain this user-centric philosophy by always putting commercial interests second to user needs and ensure that financial investment in our product development not only does not stop, but increases year-on-year irrespective of whether we feel our products are ‘good enough’ or not. Unlike traditional product development cycles, we skip any time-consuming steps designed to filter out ‘bad ideas’ and instead classify every idea as a good idea unless proven otherwise after the product officers, designers and engineers invest some of their time in testing them out.
2021 will be another transformative year for Locum’s Nest and we look forward to continuing to shape the workforce software solution field for the future of our healthcare people.
Discover how the Locum’s Nest holistic approach to workforce software can help solve your staffing challenges.
Book a demo or get in touch with Dr Ahmed Shahrabani on ahmed@locumsnest.co.uk.