The customer (patient) is left waiting for minutes, hours, days or weeks depending on the severity of their need and the number of other patients.

Their operation minimises wastage of doctors time. Therefore you want a shift pattern that is efficient. If your budget is fixed, then you need to make the most with your money. However most operations are working to a fixed budget. So asses your workload every hour of the day, week and year. That way you minimise wastage and meet customer demands. Your goal is to create a shift operation that matches the workload. The workload is the key driver behind all decision making. The workload is the best place to start if you want to improve your long term operation. Think about bringing in a shift pattern with zero overtime. Are you able to stay within budget? If you are not, then identify what unexpected expense you've had. Are you able to meet your workload? If your are not, then identify where and when you need more people. Make a list of all your problems and prioritise it. Look for where you are experiencing problems. Your current operation is a good place to start if you want to just want to improve the current system in the short term. If you can show the unions why this new shift operation is better for their members because it provides stability, then you can implement it. If you can provide proof for the number of staff you need, then you can justify your budget. This is very important when it comes to implementation. The more data you have, the easier it will be to make decisions and you can justify all decisions. In which case you will find yourself creating a new shift pattern time and time again.Ĭreating a new shift pattern is all about being prepared for any eventuality. The chances are other departments will see your operation and want it for themselves. If you do bring in a successful new shift pattern, be prepared.

Most managers will do it once in their careers unless they are very good at it. Creating a brand new shift pattern, is a rare event.

Shift coverage calculator