Achieving Implementation Excellence: Agilia Connect Infusion System at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

August 7, 2025

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) and 2gether Support Solutions (2SS) partnered with Fresenius Kabi to implement the Agilia VP MC WiFi intravenous (IV) drug infusion system across four sites.

 

Key objectives at the start of the project were made clear - ease of safe IV device operation within a limited timeframe to match critical clinical demand. To achieve this without delay, EKUHFT adopted a phased implementation method. This was underscored by a collaborative commitment to time efficient, comprehensive training provided by Fresenius Kabi.

P{atient in hospital bed with Agilia pump

Implementation Strategy and Phased Rollout

The success of the implementation was enabled by the collaborative relationship between Fresenius Kabi, EKUHFT, and 2SS. Working groups were established early on fostering strong engagement and alignment within the Trust, while ensuring key tasks were prioritised across all four sites.

The implementation was strategically organised into multiple stages, with each deployment phase being closely monitored to capture key successes and learnings along the way. 

A key contribution to this success was the concurrent integration of Fresenius Kabi’s WiFi connectivity and data set deployment. This safeguarded future software integration of the Dose Error Reduction Software (DERS) with EKHUFT’s existing systems, while gaining operational insights from the beginning of device roll out.

By synchronising IV device software configuration, connectivity setup, training and servicing with the scheduled rollout dates, Fresenius Kabi ensured the implementation stayed on track without delay.

This meticulous coordination played a pivotal role in mitigating potential disruptions, ensuring planned clinical training could proceed at pace, and devices were ready for immediate use upon deployment. 

These groups played a critical role in overseeing device deployment, troubleshooting, and adapting quickly to the diverse needs of each site. 

"Being a large organisation spread across multiple acute sites, with thousands of clinicalstaff requiring training, a Trust-wide implementation of this type is a true challenge. Fresenius Kabi’s commitment to understanding our training needs and targets, and to ensuring the success of this project on our terms, working closely and flexibly with us to plan and deliver it in genuine partnership, made all the difference. Their support during rollout was invaluable, and their continued support post-implementation is a testament to their values."

Medical Devices Safety Officer, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust


A Robust and Flexible Training Program

A flexible training programme provided by Fresenius Kabi in  collaboration with EKHUFT and 2SS was designed to fit the demanding schedules of valued healthcare staff. This was a cornerstone to the success of the project as a whole. A meticulous schedule allowed for continuous, round-the-clock training, with staff able to access sessions regardless of their shift patterns. The outcome was a confident, capable workforce, fully prepared to safely use the new infusion devices.

Agilia training stats

Fresenius Kabi’s dedicated and highly skilled trainers were on-site each day, covering all shifts, to ensure every clinician had the  opportunity for hands-on learning with the Agilia Connect infusion system.

By providing training through a flexible schedule, the implementation team achieved staff preparedness, equipping each healthcare  professional with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the new technology confidently and efficiently.

This intensive and collaborative approach led to the training of 2,054 staff members, representing 80% of the targeted workforce across all sites—meeting the agreed implementation timeline goals.


Collaborative Success Factors

The successful rollout of the Agilia Connect Infusion System is a testament to the strong alignment and partnership between Fresenius Kabi, EKHUFT and 2SS.

The Agilia Connect Infusion System implementation kept patient care at its core. Every decision, from the setup of infusion devices to the structure of the training sessions, was driven by the goal of enhancing patient safety and improving clinical outcomes. This patient-centred approach underscored every stage of the implementation and was reflected in the attention to detail and rigor applied by all involved teams.

  • Strong Partnership and Communication: Working groups established between the teams promoted a proactive, collaborative approach that ensured critical tasks were identified, prioritised, and executed smoothly.
  • Tailored Training Flexibility: The flexible training model allowed staff across all shifts to access high-quality training, ensuring competency across diverse roles and on-site each day, covering all  shifts, to ensure every clinician had the opportunity for hands-on learning with the Agilia infusion devices.

"At Fresenius Kabi, we understand the critical, round-the-clock demands of hospital operations and the importance of empowering every healthcare professional with the confidence and expertise to use our systems effectively. To address these needs, we offer flexible training schedules that accommodate all shift patterns, ensuring that staff—whether on day or night shifts—receive comprehensive, hands-on training. 

This approach highlights our resolute commitment to patient safety and the seamless implementation of our solutions.

Our ultimate goal is to support healthcare teams effortlessly,  allowing them to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional patient care."

Marcus Berry, Clinical Services Manager,

Fresenius Kabi

Outcomes and Conclusion

870 Agilia infusion devices were successfully deployed across 4 sites to over 2,000 staff in a period of 9 months. This was achieved with minimal disruption, with training targets reached on time, and excellent staff satisfaction overall with the new system.

The Agilia system’s WiFi-enabled devices has already improved device management, through the ability to monitor and update device configurations remotely, and will enable the next stage of medicine safety improvements, through utilisation of DERS.

The implementation of the Agilia Infusion System at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust harnesses the power of strategic planning, strong partnership, and a flexible training approach. 

Fresenius Kabi are proud to have partnered with EKHUFT on this project, demonstrating the effectiveness of a tailored patient-centred approach.

GB-PCA-2500001 September 2025