Immediate impact through digitisation: Dorset HealthCare hits six-month eMHA benefits forecast

Dorset HealthCare have achieved the calculated benefits of going live with a fully digitised Mental Health Act pathway and are looking forward to what the transformation enables for the future.

In November 2024, Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust became one of the first organisations in England to fully digitise its Mental Health Act (MHA) processes through the deployment of eMHA by Thalamos. Just six months on, the Trust is already seeing clear, measurable improvements and met forecasted benefits. These range from operational time savings to improved legal compliance and frontline experience.

The deployment forms part of Dorset’s wider ambition to lead on safe, effective and person-centred digitisation. Across the Trust and the Integrated Care System (ICS), the emphasis is on digital programmes that support quality, efficiency and equity. This is particularly important in high-risk areas like mental health crisis care. The Mental Health Act, with its complex legal requirements and multi-agency touch points, is a prime candidate for this approach.

“From the outset, this programme was about more than switching from paper to digital. It was about creating a safer, more efficient and legally robust environment for the people who use our services and the staff who support them,” said Ellie Lindop, Deputy Director of Nursing, Therapies and Quality.

Laying the groundwork for success

Going live with eMHA by Thalamos was the product of strong collaboration across clinical, legal, digital and operational teams within Dorset HealthCare and the wider system. Implementation was led by a dedicated programme team, supported by expertise in integration, training and benefits realisation. Dorset’s well-established digital governance structures and change management processes provided a clear framework for success.

“Having a core programme team in place, working closely with clinical and corporate teams, was absolutely essential,” said Emma Dicker, Programme Manager. “It meant we could align our deployment with Trust-wide goals, ensure effective training, and put benefits tracking in place from day one.”

Preparation included clinical safety and information governance assurance, local system configuration, and a training plan that reached staff across the Trust’s mental health, administrative and crisis care teams. The programme was structured not just around delivery but around measurable and sustainable outcomes.

Realising the benefits

Six months on from go-live, Dorset has already recorded a number of clear, evidenced benefits. These are being tracked across both cash-releasing and non-cash-releasing categories, in line with Dorset ICS’s digital investment principles. Non-cash releasing savings hit forecasted targets, demonstrating eMHA by Thalamos’ ability to deliver immediate, in first year benefits to Dorset HealthCare.

The Dorset HealthCare six-month financial benefits delivered include:

• £29,754 clinical time savings against a forecast of £28,758
• £3,414 administrative time savings against a forecast of £6,356
• £1,449 savings linked in reduced errors and amends against a forecast of £716

These impacts are driven by:

• Reduced travel and administrative costs via remote, digital form workflows
• Increased efficiency in Mental Health Act assessments and processing
• Secure, legally compliant record keeping with time-stamped digital forms
• Better coordination between clinicians, administrators and external partners

Two major contributors to cash-releasing benefits, travel claims to the Mental Health Law Office and improved patient flow, will be measured from 12 months into the programme.

“The initial data shows just how much time, money and effort is tied up in the manual elements of Mental Health Act administration,” said Gavin Macfarlane, Mental Health Legislation Manager. “Digitising these processes doesn’t just remove friction. It strengthens the integrity of our legal and clinical decision-making.”

While patient flow benefits are not formally measured until the 12-month point, they are expected to represent one of the most significant contributors to overall financial impact. As digital workflows reduce delays, duplication and administrative barriers, the Trust anticipates improved movement of patients through key Mental Health Act pathways, including admission, transfer and discharge. These gains are likely to unlock further efficiencies across inpatient and community services, while also supporting safer, more coordinated care. Monitoring these changes will be a key focus for the next phase of benefits tracking.

Investing in success

The implementation of eMHA by Thalamos at Dorset HealthCare was supported by a dedicated internal programme team. This included clearly-defined roles across training, integration, benefits tracking and governance, with close involvement from clinical, digital and operational leads. Internal costs for this implementation phase totalled £65,000, covering activities such as software configuration, stakeholder communications, information governance documentation, go-live support and staff training. These costs reflect Dorset’s standard model for deploying new digital tools and are consistent with what would be expected for a transformation programme of this scope and complexity.

Crucially, this investment laid the groundwork for a smooth and effective go-live and in first year benefits. By resourcing the programme properly from the outset, the Trust ensured that change was well-managed, that staff were equipped and confident in using the new system, and that digital workflows could be embedded without disruption. This level of preparation is key to success in any digitisation initiative. Without it, there is a risk of delayed adoption, missed opportunities and limited value. Dorset’s structured and well-resourced approach helped ensure that the right conditions were in place from day one.

Positioned for the future

With a successful implementation behind them, Dorset HealthCare is now focused on embedding and scaling the benefits of eMHA. This includes:

• Tracking 12- and 24-month benefits realisation
• Supporting local and regional alignment on MHA pathways
• Continuing user feedback loops to inform improvements
• Exploring integration opportunities across ICS systems

The Trust is also closely watching the progress of the Mental Health Bill currently before Parliament, which aims to reform detention criteria and patient rights under the Act. A digital-first approach positions Dorset to respond more quickly to any legislative changes.

“Having a digital MHA platform in place means we can adapt to reform, respond to complexity, and continue to provide safe, accountable care,” said Gavin Macfarlane. “This puts us in a strong position to support both our patients and our staff through whatever changes come next.”

A model for NHS-wide change

The Dorset HealthCare deployment demonstrates what is possible when digital tools are implemented with clinical engagement, operational clarity and clear benefits tracking. The results so far are already informing discussions across the South West of England and beyond. This is a real-world case study in how mental health services can be safely and effectively digitised.

“Our priority has always been safe, person-centred care,” said Emma Dicker. “But digital transformation, when done well, can make that care more consistent, more transparent and more sustainable. That’s what this programme is helping us achieve.”

If you’d like to better understand how eMHA by Thalamos could benefit your Mental Health Trust, ICS or independent provider then speak to our team.