Understanding the Challenge
Today’s hospitals and health systems operate in a complex environment, balancing patient satisfaction, infection prevention, cost control, and staff efficiency across multiple locations and departments. Even something as simple as linen management can create a ripple effect on both clinical care and financial results.
Inefficient linen processes can lead to:
- Shortages and service interruptions
- Unnecessary replacement costs and inventory loss
- Compliance risks related to infection control
- Staff frustration and wasted time on linen-related tasks
That’s why leading health systems are turning to specialized partners like ImageFIRST, the nation’s largest healthcare-focused linen, laundry, and facility services provider.
Why a Healthcare-Focused Provider Matters
For over 50 years, ImageFIRST has supported hospitals, outpatient centers, and integrated health networks across the U.S. Its exclusive focus on healthcare ensures that every process, from sorting and washing to packaging and delivery, is designed with clinical safety and operational reliability in mind.
ImageFIRST has the most HLAC-accredited facilities of any provider in the country. Its wash process exceeds CDC, OSHA, and Joint Commission standards, eliminating 99.9% of pathogens and ensuring that every item is hygienically clean, hand-inspected, and individually wrapped before delivery.
This dedication to safety and quality assurance directly supports a hospital’s infection prevention strategy, protecting both patients and staff.
How ImageFIRST’s Health System Programs Support Hospital Performance
Patient Experience
Clean, comfortable, high-quality textiles can positively influence the patient journey. ImageFIRST’s Comfort Care® gowns and robes are crafted for dignity and comfort, helping hospitals boost satisfaction scores and improve overall perception of care.
Staff Engagement and Productivity
Frontline staff often spend valuable time managing linen issues and tasks that take them away from patient care. ImageFIRST’s Hospital Customer Advocates act as on-site extensions of the EVS team, ensuring the right product mix, proper par levels, and point-of-use delivery. Moreover, innovative tools like the VAULTSystem™ improve accountability, reduce loss, and save time.
Cost Control and Transparency
Healthcare budgets are constantly under pressure. ImageFIRST’s per-piece pricing model reduces waste and offers clear visibility into expenses. Quarterly reports highlight usage trends, cost-saving opportunities, and methods to optimize inventory levels across the system.
Facility Image and Safety
ImageFIRST goes beyond linen, offering programs for microfiber cleaning, floor mats, cubicle curtains, and hygiene solutions that support infection prevention and a more polished, professional facility image.
Consistency Across Multi-Site Health Systems
Large health systems face a unique challenge: ensuring that multiple hospitals, surgery centers, and outpatient facilities operate under consistent standards.
ImageFIRST’s national presence with local service makes this possible. Each location receives the same processing quality, delivered by a dedicated Customer Advocate who understands the facility’s specific needs.
This combination of scale, specialization, and service creates consistency across the system, which is a major differentiator in healthcare textile management.
The Takeaway
Managed healthcare laundry programs are not just about clean linens — they are integral to infection control, patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial stewardship.
By partnering with a healthcare-exclusive provider like ImageFIRST, health systems can transform an often-overlooked operational function into a strategic advantage.
Contact us today to learn about ImageFIRST’s Health System Programs and speak with a representative.