Case Study

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
RTT Validation Project

Overview

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust partnered with max20 Project Solutions to deliver a targeted RTT validation project aimed at improving pathway accuracy, reducing backlog, and strengthening data quality across multiple specialties. The project ran from 11 March 2026 to 24 April 2026, deploying a specialist team to support validation activity across both Specialist Hospitals (SHS) and Wythenshawe, Trafford, Withington and Altrincham (WTWA) services.

The Challenge

The Trust required additional capacity and expertise to:

  • Validate large volumes of RTT pathways across multiple specialties
  • Address data quality issues impacting pathway accuracy
  • Support backlog reduction while maintaining day-to-day operational delivery
  • Ensure consistent escalation and resolution of pathway issues

Our Approach

max20 deployed a structured validation model supported by:

  • Dedicated team structure: 1 Team Leader and 5 RTT Validators
  • Specialty allocation:
    • 2 validators supporting SHS services
    • 3 validators supporting WTWA services
  • Defined delivery framework agreed during mobilisation with Data Assurance teams
  • Service-led workflow management, with escalation routed through the max20 Team Leader

Validation activities included:

  • Closed pathway validation
  • Duplicate MRN resolution
  • WaitVal Removal and Adhoc OPA validation
  • Specialty-specific validation across:
    • Cardiology
    • Endocrinology
    • Urology
    • Plastics

Quality assurance processes were embedded, including audit checks and structured escalation routes.

The Solution

max20 provided a flexible and responsive validation service that:

  • Delivered daily validation outputs aligned to service targets
  • Maintained continuous communication with Trust stakeholders
  • Quickly resolved operational issues through escalation pathways
  • Adapted to service-led priorities and workload fluctuations

Additional validator capacity was maintained where required to support backlog reduction and sustain performance.

Results

The project delivered measurable improvements across key areas:

  • Validation targets: Consistently achieved throughout the project
  • Data quality: Improved pathway accuracy across specialties
  • Backlog reduction: Progressed in line with Trust expectations
  • Operational stability: Maintained despite early challenges around data refresh cycles

Key Benefits

  • Improved RTT pathway accuracy and compliance
  • Reduced backlog pressures across multiple specialties
  • Enhanced data quality supporting operational decision-making
  • Scalable validation model aligned to service needs
  • Strong collaboration between max20 and Trust teams

Conclusion

The RTT Validation Project demonstrated the effectiveness of a structured, specialist-led validation approach.

max20 successfully supported Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in improving data quality and reducing backlog while maintaining consistent delivery against service expectations. The project remained operationally stable throughout and delivered tangible improvements across all key performance areas with excellent feedback received from the WTWA Team.

“I just wanted to say a thank you to you and your team for your support with the validation of pathways for WTWA over the 4 weeks.”