The healthcare industry has experienced significant changes over the past decade, including evolving care models and technological advancements, as well as patients adopting more consumer-oriented behaviors and researching providers through online reviews.
Medical facilities and health systems must navigate these shifts while focusing on delivering high-quality care, enhancing patient experience, engaging staff, and managing costs. With growing demands on healthcare staff, managing linen and laundry should not be an added burden.
To ensure each day at your healthcare facility is seamless and focused on improving patient satisfaction, you need more than a vendor; you need a dedicated medical linen partner.
Linen and Laundry Provider MUST-HAVES
Industry-Leading Infection Prevention
Even when a healthcare facility has a robust infection prevention plan, linen is often overlooked. A fully managed linen and laundry program should focus only on healthcare.
An advanced wash process that goes beyond industry laundering standards and exceeds OSHA, CDC, and HLAC standards while complying with The Joint Commission requirements. In addition, a provider should operate HLAC-accredited laundry facilities.
Comfortable, Pristine Products
Do you believe that improving patient comfort contributes to better care outcomes?
Creating a comfortable environment is key to helping patients feel at ease, leading to a more positive care experience. High-quality patient gowns that are soft, durable, and offer full coverage, along with pristine, crisp white bed and bath linens, all play a crucial role.
Comfortable scrubs allow staff to focus on care without distractions. These thoughtful details help patients feel relaxed and leave with the best possible impression of their care.
Inventory Control to Manage Costs
Inventory Based on Your Needs. Set linen inventory level based on patient volume to ensure enough linen to handle patient fluctuations without running out or wasting money on unneeded products. Continuously analyze case load to optimize inventory levels while conducting Quarterly Needs Assessments.
Don’t be confused by complex or confusing billing practices. Look at total linen cost; a lower unit price does not necessarily mean a lower total program cost. Upfront, honest, and transparent billing will keep total costs within budget. The bill should reflect what linen is on site. It’s that simple!
Dedicated Service
In addition to ensuring on-time and accurate linen deliveries and pick-up, it’s vital to have a dedicated representative who supports linen inventory needs. This service representative should take the logistics of managing healthcare linens off the facility and staff so they can put their time and energy where they are needed most: caring for patients. Don’t settle for just a delivery driver!
Some providers meet some of these, but often not all. If your current laundry and linen doesn’t meet these qualifications, it might be time to search for a new partner. Remember, their priority should be to deliver remarkable service that benefits the facility and staff, freeing them up to provide exceptional patient care.