Administratively, a common Medical Record Identifier is required. The process of introducing this is already underway. What is proving more difficult is integration of the various computer programs in use. Staffing is more complex. Depending on how the final implementation works one or both current Nurse Unit Managers could be displaced and continue to receive salary as per Department of Health policy which will add to the initial cost.
Morale is also an issue especially if it is thought that demotion has occurred.
Staff also require constant reassurance that they will not have to change sites and will not be disadvantaged by remaining at their original site. It has been made clear that each site will require a core group who remain in order to provide local knowledge and continuity. Orientation of staff working at both sites will have to be carefully planned. The exact form that full and final implementation will take will also be affected by future plans for the two sites. It is expected that the broader range of surgery that theatre staff will be exposed to will make employment in our service more attractive and so assist in recruitment and retention which are both problems in rural areas.