An evaluation of workforce (re)design and skill-mix in Airedale NHSFT’S Acute Assessment Unit: Leveraging local advantage through collective and inclusive leadership in urgent care

This report is sponsored by the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Local Workforce Action Board (WY&H LWAB). It was commissioned by Jill Asbury, Director of Nursing, and Nick Parker, former Director of HR and Workforce, at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust (ANHSFT). The purpose of this report is to evaluate workforce (re)design and skill-mix in ANHSFT’s new £7 million Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) since the unit opened in April 2018. The new facilities integrate acute medical and surgical assessment and the Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU) to optimise clinical decision-making in urgent care for serious or lifethreatening emergencies. The unit is designed to facilitate patient flow with safe and dignified standards based on ANHSFT’s ‘right care’ behaviours.