Gastroenterology – United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Tackling gastroenterology backlogs at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The Challenge

ULHT faced increasing pressure across gastroenterology outpatient pathways, with significant numbers of long-wait patients and limited internal capacity to expand weekday clinics. Workforce shortages, particularly among specialist nurses and consultants, further constrained delivery options. To address these challenges, the Trust sought an experienced partner to provide high-volume weekend clinics that could integrate safely with local systems and support timely care for long-wait patients.

Our Solution

DMC Healthcare implemented an outsourced weekend outpatient model tailored to the Trust’s needs. The service operated from Grantham Hospital and was aligned with local pathways, safety protocols, and governance standards. Delivery focused on maximising access, minimising disruption, and ensuring safe, consultant-led care.

🟢 Provided additional outpatient capacity to support long-wait gastroenterology patients

🟢 Delivered structured, consultant-led clinics with access to Trust systems and outcomes reporting

🟢 Maintained close collaboration with Trust teams to ensure continuity, oversight, and service quality

🟢 Improved attendance and discharge rates while keeping cancellation and DNA rates low

“Our nursing and support teams are experienced, responsive, and fully equipped to deliver high-quality care on-site. They understand how to keep clinics running efficiently while ensuring every patient feels supported throughout their visit. That level of preparedness and professionalism is what makes the weekend model work so effectively in partnership with the Trust.”

Ed Obra, Lead NurseHead of Operations, DMC Healthcare

Achieved Results

✅ 3,587 Patients Seen in 2024-2025

✅ 27% Discharge Rate (Discharged post-appointment)

✅ 11% DNA Rate (Improve from 16%)

✅ 99% Patient Satisfaction Rate

Excellent Patient Feedback

Testimonial

The mobilisation of the service was rapid and smoothly undertaken. There is simply no way we could have generated that throughput internally. Having a single point of contact for both operational and clinical issues is extremely helpful, and I have a great deal of confidence in the quality of the work coming through.
Consultant Gastroenterologist and Head of Service, United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust