reopening medical facility

How to Re-open Successfully After Lockdown

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The last few months have been very difficult for many of our partners. No medical facility has been spared discomfort, restriction, or even outright closing during the Coronavirus pandemic.  With the country easing into the post-lockdown era, things are looking brighter, but there’s much work to do still. 

We’re all thinking the same thing: how do we come back successfully after the lockdown?  And this question, naturally, generates more: What should we do? What changes do we have to make? Will customers come back?

Considerations to Re-open Successfully After Lockdown

Your post-lockdown rebound should have five areas of concern that need the most attention. They are, existing laws and regulations that affect your industry and facility, workforce safety and preparation, in-house systems optimization, reconnecting with your market, and most important of all: consistent, reliable hygiene.

1.       Laws and Regulations

Different rules and regulations are in place for businesses getting back after the lockdown. Depending on your state requirements, and the ever-updating CDC guidelines, your requirements could be minor or strict. To fully protect yourself and your customers, have full understanding of these regulations and that they are complied with accurately.

2.       Workforce Safety and Preparation

If there’s anything we’ve learned recently, it’s that everyone plays an important role. In the preparations leading up to your reopening, get everyone on your team involved. This includes continued education and training for employees, clear, specific reopening planning, and adherence to that plan. 

An undertaking of this magnitude can only be accomplished when done in a strong, unified manner. While at it, it is also important to make sure that there are safeguards in place specifically for your employees. This might include decreasing work days or hours, incorporating new uniform rental systems, or implementing mask requirements for patients. Keeping your workforce strong, healthy, and stable throughout these uncertain times can mean the difference between success and failure.

3.       In-house Systems Optimization

The pandemic has changed so many things about the way we do things. Adapting to the “new normal” could mean different things for different facilities. Maybe it means installing barriers between patients or limiting the number of people inside your premises at a time. It could mean opening new avenues to interact with and deliver services to your patients. Or It could mean more reliance on virtual doctor visits. Whatever adaptive measures mean for your business, fully invest in them, as it could pay off majorly.

4.       Reconnecting With Your Market 

Bouncing back post-lockdown can be quite the ordeal. Marketing your facility will be harder than ever as everyone is gearing to do the same. The urgency to pull in business is being felt all over. While it might be difficult, it is not impossible or without benefit to promote your services at this moment.  

When marketing post-lockdown, it is important to align your message with safety and optimistic outlooks. Make sure your target market knows that (a) you’re back, (b) you’re working to keep things safe, and (c) your services are as good as they have always been – maybe even better! As patients try to navigate these unprecedented times, it is important to meet them halfway. Let them know of the effort you’re putting in to do so.

5.       Reliable Hygiene Practices

Having a clean, hygienic space of business is your best bet for staying afloat during the critical first months post-lockdown. There are many ways to better the hygiene in your facility and improve hygienic measures for customers. You could: 

  • Place hand sanitizing stations at every entrance and areas where exchange of goods/money take place. 
  • Impose a mask protocol if there isn’t already one in place. 
  • Sanitize your business space frequently, and with proper disinfectants. 
  • Invest in measures that help minimize contact (i.e. promote cashless payment, RFID debit payments, etc). 
  • Enroll in linen and laundry service that helps ensure superior cleanliness while providing stability of supply. That way, you’ll never run out of the supplies you need.  

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

These are unchartered waters that we are navigating. It’s uncertain and even scary, but you don’t have to do it alone. Sign your office up for some much-needed support. For your medical linen and laundry service needs, HandCraft is here.

HandCraft is dedicated to supporting the medical community’s re-opening efforts every way that it can. Whether it’s reliably clean, on-time linens and uniforms or any other quality products, HandCraft is ready. 

For more information, give us a call at (888) 358-8671 or contact us here for more information.