managing single-site hospitals

HeAlthcare Supply Chain Technology

Hospitals are often beacons in their communities, both serving residents and caring for the needs of patients. However, in an era of increasing merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, more hospitals are joining conglomerate multi-site systems to sustain operations amidst a trying time in the industry. Without the same level of access to resources as large enterprises, managing single-site hospitals can be difficult.

Sustaining Satisfaction

It is not uncommon for a single-site hospital to be the leading (if not sole) healthcare provider in its geographic area, which translates to even more pressure to promote the safety and satisfaction of patients as well as staff. For foodservice specifically, providing nourishing meals is often regarded as an additional form of medicine. However, because smaller facilities face more financial challenges, ensuring quality care within a limited budget remains a balancing act.

A typical day in managing single-site hospitals entails forecasting production needs, assessing inventory, updating menus, taking patients’ orders, delivering meals, driving retail revenue – the responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming. When foodservice employees must compile details manually, they focus valuable energy on time-consuming tasks instead of patients and run a higher risk of errors.

The Nutrient Database allows for easy accessibility to nutritional information, which is very often asked by our RD team.

HUMBER RIVER REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Data = Knowledge

With healthcare supply chain technology, hospitals can help streamline processes while upholding high standards. To do so, some facilities look to outside resources like third-party companies for assistance while others remain self-op, and some even opt for a hybrid of the two styles. Regardless of the operational method, what all hospitals have in common is the need for automation.

It is facile to think of data as monotonous numbers in spreadsheets when, in fact, they build a solid foundation for any effective operation. Data analytics only work with clean, precise data that is captured and updated over time with all aspects of the supply chain in mind. Take food waste, for example: operators need a global view of total patient and retail food consumption to locate discrepancies. Hospital foodservice directors managing single-site hospitals can then leverage that knowledge to forecast more accurately, thereby preventing overproduction and cutting costs.

Automation ensures that operations gather and maintain the information they need not only to survive but also to thrive. Additionally, nutrition managers can prioritize the patient experience instead of filing paperwork in the diet office. With greater data visibility, executive leaders can focus on the big picture and kickstart initiatives in areas that need improvement.

All healthcare providers – big and small – deserve tools for improvement and success. With healthcare supply chain technology, hospital foodservice directors can boost patient satisfaction, optimize production, and achieve their goals!

See It In Action

Take a look at additional resources to find out how healthcare supply chain technology
assists with single-site hospital management – producing the highest levels of:

Take a look at additional resources to find out how healthcare supply chain technology assists with single-site hospital management – producing the highest levels of: